The Midlands is braced for significant disruption this Sunday as forecasters issue a stark warning for a prolonged snow storm, raising the serious threat of widespread power cuts.
Met Office Issues 13-Hour Yellow Warning
The Met Office has activated a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across parts of the Midlands. The alert is set to last for a substantial 13-hour period, from 2am until 3pm on Sunday, January 11.
Meteorologists warn that a spell of heavy snow will likely lead to travel disruption and has a high potential to impact power supplies and other essential services.
Towns and Communities at Risk
The warning specifically highlights Staffordshire as a region in the path of the incoming weather system. A significant number of towns have been identified as being at particular risk of power outages.
Major population centres listed include Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Lichfield, Burton upon Trent, Tamworth, Cannock, and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The warning also extends to numerous other towns and communities. Residents in Leek, Stone, Rugeley, Cheadle, Biddulph, Kidsgrove, Uttoxeter, Alrewas, Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Eccleshall, Wombourne, Tutbury, Penkridge, and Barton-under-Needwood are advised to prepare for potential loss of power.
Broader Impacts and Further Warnings
The Met Office explicitly states that "power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage." This dual threat could leave some communities temporarily isolated.
David Morgan, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, added a subsequent warning, noting that a thaw of the lying snow from Sunday onwards will increase the risk of flooding. He advised the public to stay informed via flood forecasts.
This weekend's unsettled conditions begin on Saturday, January 10, with separate yellow warnings for snow and ice covering most of Scotland, north-east England, and all of Northern Ireland. A further ice warning is also in place for parts of western England.
The outlook for Sunday confirms further wet and windy weather moving eastwards, with hill snow in the north. Conditions are expected to become milder by Monday.
