A major winter storm has swept across the West Midlands, blanketing towns and cities in a thick layer of snow and causing significant disruption to transport networks.
Storm Goretti took hold on the evening of Thursday, 8 January 2026, with snow beginning to settle rapidly across the region. Pictures from across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands show streets, cars, and stations transformed into winter scenes.
Widespread Snowfall Across the Region
The snowfall was widespread, with significant accumulations reported in several key areas. In Dudley, streets were quickly covered, as captured in photographs by Melvin Cooper. Similar scenes unfolded in Kidderminster, where Jane Haynes photographed cars buried under the snow.
Further images from BirminghamLive contributors show the extent of the weather. Snow was seen sweeping across Kings Norton train station, photographed by Ben Perrin, while Nick Horner captured the moment it began sticking to the ground in Sutton Coldfield. The districts of Stirchley were also heavily affected, with residential streets left under a white blanket.
Travel Disruption Takes Hold
The immediate impact of the storm has been on travel. Train services to and from Birmingham are now operating on a 'reduced timetable' due to the adverse conditions. This is expected to cause delays and cancellations for commuters and travellers throughout Friday.
While the full impact on road networks is still being assessed, the rapid sticking of snow reported in areas like Sutton Coldfield suggests hazardous driving conditions are likely. Motorists are being urged to exercise extreme caution if journeys are essential.
What Happens Next?
The arrival of Storm Goretti marks a sharp turn to wintry conditions for the West Midlands. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest travel information from local authorities and transport providers before setting out.
The focus for local councils and emergency services will now be on gritting key routes and ensuring vulnerable residents are safe during the cold snap. Further weather warnings may be issued as the storm system continues to move across the UK.
