The AA has issued a stark warning to motorists in Birmingham and the West Midlands, urging them to avoid non-essential travel until a specific time on Friday morning due to severe weather brought by Storm Goretti.
Treacherous Conditions Prompt Travel Plea
Edmund King, the president of the AA, described the situation as creating "pretty treacherous driving conditions." Speaking to BBC 5 Live Breakfast, he attributed the danger to a hazardous mix of overnight wind, followed by rain, sleet, and snow.
His advice was clear and direct: drivers should seriously reconsider their need to travel. "Think about your journey, do you really need to make the journey now?" King stated, adding that conditions are expected to ease significantly after 09:00 on Friday morning.
Essential Preparations for Those Who Must Travel
For anyone compelled to venture out, the AA president outlined critical safety checks and kit. He strongly recommended ensuring your vehicle is ready for the challenge:
- Top up your windscreen wash and check your tyres are in good condition.
- Pack an emergency kit including water, warm clothing, and a charged mobile phone.
"If you are going out, make sure you’re prepared," King emphasised. This guidance was echoed by the RAC, whose breakdown spokesperson, Alice Simpson, stressed that the amber weather warnings for snow must be taken seriously.
Simpson advised: "People may want to consider avoiding driving overnight from Thursday into Friday or bringing journeys forward to avoid being stuck in the worst weather."
Major Transport Disruption Across the Region
The storm's impact has extended beyond the roads, causing significant disruption to air travel. Birmingham Airport suspended its overnight operations due to heavy snow on the runway and was completing safety checks on Friday morning.
Meanwhile, East Midlands Airport has now reopened its runway after a temporary closure earlier in the day caused by heavy snowfall.
The RAC warned that the amber warnings are a clear sign of likely disruption across a large area of Wales and central England, with possible effects over a much wider part of the UK.
Looking ahead, the influence of Storm Goretti is forecast to wane on Friday evening as the system moves eastwards. A brief period of calmer weather is expected for many on Saturday, with easing rain showers and potential sunny spells for some.
