The earliest snowfall for 17 years arrived in the Midlands today amid warnings the worst is yet to come.

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Up to 1.5 inches of snow fell in parts of Staffordshire overnight while residents in the Black Country also woke up to a covering today.

Yet there are warnings more is on the way with blizzards expected in the region on Tuesday and Wednesday and up to eight inches of snow.

Snow was causing problems on the M6 through Staffordshire this morning with a lane closure reported both ways at junction 14 for Stafford.

Gritters were out in force across the region overnight with vehicles covering the major routes as temperatures dipped to -3C (27)F.

They were taking to roads again this evening, as temperatures are expected to drop to -6C (21F).

Met Office forecaster Tom Morgan said the cold snap would last for the next week at least.

“Snow showers are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday in the West Midlands and they could be fairly frequent,” he said. “It will remain very cold.”

He said that most of the snowfall last night was in Staffordshire with showers in the West Midlands and Shropshire at around dawn.

As the temperature dropped last night a number of accidents were reported across the region including a cyclist killed in Erdington, Birmingham at 9.10pm.

The AA,which has its national base in Oldbury, was also called out to deal with breakdowns. It is estimated to have dealt with around 15,500 calls yesterday.

Temperatures will reach no more than -1C (30F) tomorrow.