Met Office Issues 17-Hour Ice Warning for 17 Midlands Areas
A significant icy blast is forecast to sweep across the Midlands, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning for ice. The warning will be in effect for 17 hours, from 5pm on Friday, February 13, until 10am on Saturday, February 14, covering 17 specific areas in the region.
Potential for Difficult Travel Conditions
Meteorologists have warned that the wintry weather could lead to difficult travel conditions over the coming hours. A band of rain and sleet, with some snow on higher ground, is expected to clear southwards across England and Wales during Friday evening and overnight.
As skies clear afterwards, temperatures are predicted to fall below freezing, increasing the risk of ice forming on untreated surfaces such as roads and pavements.
Affected Local Authorities in the Midlands
The weather warning specifically impacts the following areas within the Midlands region:
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Telford and Wrekin
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands Conurbation
- Worcestershire
- Derby
- Derbyshire
- Leicester
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Nottingham
- Nottinghamshire
- Rutland
Residents and commuters in these areas are advised to exercise caution, allow extra time for journeys, and be prepared for potentially hazardous conditions on untreated roads and walkways.
The Met Office emphasizes that while this is a yellow warning, indicating a lower level of severity compared to amber or red alerts, it still warrants attention due to the risks associated with icy surfaces. Motorists should consider adjusting their driving habits, and pedestrians are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls.
This weather event is part of a broader chilly blast affecting multiple regions across the UK, but the Midlands is notably among the areas set to experience the brunt of the icy conditions during this period.
