The West Midlands is preparing for another bout of disruptive winter weather this weekend, as fresh warnings for snow and ice are issued in the aftermath of Storm Goretti.
Weekend Weather Warnings in Detail
Forecasters have extended a series of yellow weather alerts across the UK. A warning for ice, covering large parts of England and Wales, is active from midday Friday until midday Saturday. This is due to partially melted snow refreezing, combined with wintry showers and patches of freezing fog.
On Saturday, a yellow warning for snow and ice remains for significant areas of Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland until 3pm, with further snowfall possible in northern England and Scotland.
The main event is expected on Sunday. A fresh yellow warning for snow and ice will be in force from 2am until 3pm, covering substantial areas including Scotland, the East and West Midlands, north-east and north-west England, and Yorkshire.
Forecasters Predict Further Disruption
Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington provided a detailed outlook. He stated that Sunday could see an additional 2-5cm of snow accumulating at low levels within the warning area, with 10-20cm possible over higher ground.
"With much of this falling in areas that have already seen severe snowfall, ongoing disruption is likely," Mr Willington cautioned. He added that central and southern England and Wales would see rain instead, making for a wet Sunday.
Travel and Transport Impact
The wintry conditions are already causing problems for travellers. East Midlands Airport reopened its runway on Friday morning after an overnight closure due to heavy snow, but warned passengers that delays could continue.
Similarly, Birmingham Airport confirmed its runway had reopened on a "reduced basis" early Friday, with teams working to minimise disruption. National Rail has warned that rail services across England, Wales, and Scotland could face disruption until Sunday.
Forecasters have also highlighted an increased risk of flooding in some areas in the coming days, resulting from a combination of melting snow and expected rainfall.
