A severe snowstorm has brought widespread disruption to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region, with treacherous conditions causing significant travel problems and forcing closures.
Travel chaos and road closures
Most minor roads have become impassable for drivers who do not proceed with extreme caution. The situation was highlighted by an incident involving a Tesco lorry, which became stuck on Monmouth Drive in Sutton Coldfield earlier on Friday. The vehicle has since been recovered, but the episode underscores the hazardous state of the routes.
With temperatures lingering around freezing, driving conditions remain dangerous. The Met Office has warned that travel disruption is likely, particularly during the morning following overnight snowfall. Winds are slowly easing, but the maximum temperature is only expected to reach 5°C.
Widespread impact on daily life
The storm's effects have rippled through the community. Numerous businesses have been forced to shut their doors, while schools and colleges have closed their buildings and switched to online learning to keep students safe.
Not everyone was inconvenienced, however. Some residents seized the opportunity for winter fun, with sightings of people building snowmen and enjoying sledging on the fresh powder.
Latest weather forecast and warnings
Issuing its latest alert, the Met Office stated the region would see a cloudy, cold, and wet day with rain or sleet, which could turn to snow over higher ground. The forecast for tonight predicts isolated showers, possibly wintry on hills, followed by a mainly dry period with clear spells.
A risk of frost, ice, and patchy freezing fog is expected, with temperatures potentially dropping to a minimum of -1°C. This raises the prospect of further hazardous conditions into Saturday morning.
Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel, check for updates on public transport, and report any major issues on the roads to the local news team.
