The Met Office has issued urgent yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, with a significant snow system forecast to barrel into the West Midlands, potentially dumping up to 8cm and sparking travel chaos for Monday's commute.
Snow Timeline and Expected Impact
Forecasters warn that snow showers will push inland across Wales and into parts of north-west England, the West Midlands, and south-west England during Sunday afternoon and evening. The system is expected to move in from Wales around noon, reaching northern parts of the Midlands like Staffordshire, before spreading across the region later in the day.
While not every location within the warning area will see snow, the Met Office states that 1-3 cm could accumulate widely by Monday morning. In a few locations, particularly inland and higher parts of Wales, there is the potential for 5-8 cm to build up. Icy stretches are expected to form widely on untreated surfaces.
Potential for Monday Morning Travel Disruption
The timing of the weather event is particularly problematic, coinciding with the first major return to work for many after the Christmas break. The band of snow is predicted to move south through Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday, leaving a fresh covering.
Further snow showers are likely across eastern England during Monday morning, compounding potential issues. The combination of fresh snow and widespread ice is expected to lead to difficult travel conditions, with the public advised to check updates and allow extra time for journeys.
What the Weather Warnings Mean
The yellow weather warnings, now in place across the entire Midlands, indicate the following potential impacts:
- Possible travel delays on roads, with some stranded vehicles and passengers.
- Delay or cancellation of rail and air travel.
- Icy patches on roads, pavements and cycle paths, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Rural communities could become cut off.
- Possible interruptions to power supplies and other services.
The Met Office advises the public to stay updated on the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation develops.
