Major travel disruption is forecast for the Midlands as Storm Goretti is set to bring heavy snowfall, with up to 15 centimetres expected in some areas. National Highways and the Met Office have both issued amber weather warnings, urging drivers to prepare for dangerous conditions.
Amber Alerts and Expected Snowfall
The amber severe weather alert from National Highways will be active from 6pm on Thursday, 8 January, until 9am on Friday, 9 January. The Met Office warnings cover both the East and West Midlands regions for the same period.
Forecasters predict the heaviest snow will initially fall on higher ground above 200m. The areas surrounding Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham could see significant accumulations of 10 to 15cm. Higher routes may receive between 8 and 12cm.
Lower-level routes in the south and east of the East Midlands are likely to get 3 to 8cm, while minimal snow (0-2cm) is forecast for the far east and north of the region. National Highways notes the snow will be "slushy" in the south and east, with a slow thaw beginning on Friday.
Severe Travel Disruption Expected
Authorities have warned that journeys, particularly on routes connecting Birmingham to Leicester and Nottingham, will see "particularly difficult driving conditions." Delays are highly likely, and one major route has already been scheduled for closure.
The A628 Woodhead Pass will shut in both directions from 8pm on Thursday due to the anticipated heavy snow. The closure will be between the A616 Flouch and A57 Hollingworth.
The warning comes amid a concerning rise in winter breakdowns. Data shows incidents on motorways and major A roads increased by 21% over the last five years, with over 67,000 logged between December 2024 and February 2025 alone.
Official Safety Advice for Drivers
Both National Highways and the Met Office stress that driving in these conditions can be dangerous and should be avoided unless essential. If travel is necessary, they recommend thorough planning and preparation.
National Highways promotes the T.R.I.P. acronym for winter safety:
- Top up fuel, oil, and screenwash.
- Rest every two hours.
- Inspect tyre tread and pressure.
- Prepare for the weather conditions.
The Met Office advises allowing extra time, checking for delays, and carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit should include:
- Warm clothes, food, water, and a blanket.
- A torch, ice scraper, and de-icer.
- A warning triangle and high-visibility vest.
- An in-car phone charger.
The Met Office amber warning for snow covers a wide area. In the East Midlands, it includes Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. The West Midlands warning covers Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, the West Midlands Conurbation, and Worcestershire.
