Severe winter weather has brought widespread travel disruption to the Midlands, with several key routes declared impassable after heavy snowfall. The region is grappling with the impact of Storm Goretti, which swept in on Thursday, January 8, 2026, leading to treacherous conditions and leaving numerous motorists stranded.
Key Roads Blocked and Vehicles Stranded
One of the most serious incidents is on the A5 at Weeford, where the road has been shut in both directions. The closure stretches from the M6 Toll Junction 4 to Bitterscote Drive near the Ventura Park Interchange at Mile Oak. Authorities believe that around 50 cars are currently stuck within the cordoned-off area, with recovery efforts likely to be complex due to the ongoing weather.
According to the latest traffic data from Inrix, a number of other major routes across the region are also severely affected. The A456 Quinton Expressway is impassable in both directions between M5 Junction 3 and Quinton Lane. Similarly, the A461 Dudley Southern By-pass cannot be travelled between Castle Gate Island and Cinder Bank Island.
Full List of Disrupted Routes
Traffic monitoring systems show a growing list of roads impacted by the snow. Drivers are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel and check for updates before setting out.
- M54 Shropshire: One lane closed eastbound between J3 and J2 near Wolverhampton due to an accident, with slow traffic reported.
- A4100 Garratts Lane, Rowley Regis: Impassable both ways between Powke Lane and Wright's Lane.
- A4169 Much Wenlock Road, Farley: Impassable from Farley to Buildwas.
- A461 Lichfield Road, Muckley Corner: Described as just passable between the A5 island and A452 Chester Road at Walsall Wood.
- A435 Hollywood By-pass, Wythall: Slow traffic in both directions from Middle Lane to Alcester Road South, with delays expected.
Ongoing Travel Chaos and Warnings
The situation remains fluid, with the persistent snowfall from Storm Goretti continuing to hamper gritting and clearance operations. The designation of 'impassable' indicates that conditions are too dangerous for even experienced drivers with suitable vehicles.
Local emergency services and highway teams are working to reach those stranded and to clear the key arterial routes. The disruption comes alongside widespread school closures across the Black Country and wider Midlands region, as announced on Friday, January 9.
Residents are advised to follow official travel advice and monitor live updates for information on school closures, further weather warnings, and road conditions. The situation is likely to evolve throughout the day as the storm passes and recovery efforts intensify.
