The Midlands is braced for severe travel disruption as Storm Goretti is forecast 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 National Highways amber severe weather alert for snow across the Midlands will be active from 6pm on Thursday, 8 January, until 9am on Friday, 9 January. The Met Office's amber warnings cover both the East and West Midlands for the same period.
Forecasters warn that the storm will bring a spell of heavy snow overnight Thursday into Friday. While accumulations remain uncertain, higher routes are likely to see between 8 and 12cm. The areas surrounding Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham could be hit hardest, with an estimated 10 to 15cm of snowfall.
Lower-level routes in the south and east of the East Midlands may receive 3 to 8cm, with only minimal snow (0-2cm) forecast for the far east and north of the region. National Highways notes the snow will often be slushy in the south and east, with a slow thaw setting in through Friday.
Major Travel Disruption and Road Closures
Drivers are being warned of particularly difficult conditions on routes connecting Birmingham to Leicester and Nottingham. Delays are likely, and one major route has already been scheduled for closure.
The A628 Woodhead Pass is set to close in both directions from 8pm on Thursday due to the expected heavy snow. The closure will be between the A616 Flouch and A57 Hollingworth.
The warning comes as National Highways reveals a stark statistic: winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads have surged by 21% over the past five years. Between December 2024 and February 2025 alone, over 67,000 incidents were logged, with treacherous weather a primary cause of serious winter incidents.
Staying Safe on the Roads
Authorities are urging the public to reconsider non-essential travel. The Met Office advises: "It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport."
For those who must drive, planning is crucial. 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 also recommends allowing extra time, checking your vehicle, and carrying an emergency kit. This kit should include:
- Warm clothes, food, water, and a blanket.
- A torch, ice scraper, and de-icer.
- A warning triangle, high-visibility vest, and an in-car phone charger.
Locations covered by the Met Office amber warning in the East Midlands include Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. In the West Midlands, the warning covers Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, the West Midlands Conurbation, and Worcestershire.
