The West Midlands is braced for severe disruption as Storm Goretti is forecast to unleash up to 30 centimetres of heavy snow across the region, with the Met Office issuing a critical amber warning.
Timeline of the Snow Event
Maps from the Met Office indicate the first flurries will sweep into the area from around 5pm on Thursday. The snowfall is then expected to intensify dramatically, reaching a peak of accumulation at approximately 6pm.
For Birmingham, the snow will continue for hours, with the most intense period expected in the early hours of Friday morning around 1.15am. A significant band of heavy snow, marked as a large grey blob on forecast maps, will then blanket the region.
The persistent flurries are predicted to finally subside and turn to rain as milder air moves in at around 5am on Friday.
Official Warnings and Wider Impacts
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated: “Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands.”
He confirmed that while widespread accumulations of 5-10cm are likely, some places could see 15-25cm, with a potential for up to 30cm very locally, especially over higher ground.
The amber warning highlights the greatest risk of disruption from Thursday night into Friday morning. Separate weather warnings are also active for snow in Scotland and icy conditions in Northern Ireland for Thursday.
What Comes After the Storm?
The forecast for Thursday evening and Friday explains that Storm Goretti will move eastwards along southern parts of the UK, bringing severe gales to the far southwest alongside the snow for central England.
As the system moves away to the southeast on Friday evening, its influence will wane. A brief calmer interlude is expected for many on Saturday, with showers easing and some sunny spells possible.
However, the respite will be short-lived. The Met Office warns of further wet, windy, and potentially wintry weather arriving from Sunday into Monday, signalling an ongoing period of unsettled conditions.
