Hour-by-hour West Midlands Storm Goretti snow forecast as amber weather warning comes into force on Thursday evening
As the West Midlands prepares for Storm Goretti, here's when the Met Office weather forecasters say the region can expect the snow to start.
An amber weather warning will come into force at 8pm this evening (Thursday, January 8), with experts warning residents to prepare for heavy snow, rain and strong winds brought in by Storm Goretti.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong called the storm a "multi-hazard event" with the most significant impacts from snow expected in parts of Wales and the Midlands.
Here, accumulations of 5 to 10cm are likely widely, with some places seeing between 15 to 30cm - especially on hills.
The latest weather forecast, published by the Met Office at 4pm, said: "Heavy rain turning to sleet and then wet snow this evening, with the snow accumulating quickly.
"Significant falls of snow are possible, especially over higher ground. Windy and cold with icy conditions possible before the rain reverts to rain/sleet later. Minimum temperature 0 °C."
Met Office weather warnings highlight the potential for travel disruption, with train and bus routes likely affected, as well as tricky conditions on many roads.
UKHSA Amber cold weather health alerts also remain in place for all regions of England until January 11.
Hour-by-hour snow forecast for the West Midlands and the Black Country
5pm: The first flakes are expected across the region, including Dudley and Walsall, with experts predicting the storm will start as sleet showers. Average temperature 3C.
6pm: Sleet continues as temperatures begin to drop. Average temperature 2C.
7pm: Heavy snow expected to begin in areas including Wolverhampton and Wednesbury.
8pm - midnight: Heavy snow expected widely across the region along with windspeeds of up to 19mph.
1am onwards: Snow is expected to turn to sleet and rain in the early hours of Friday, with forecasters predicting rain will continue throughout the day.
Train operators reducing services this evening due to bad weather - warning issued to motorists too
Train operators including West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway have confirmed that services will be reduced from 7pm on Thursday. Passengers are being advised to travel only if necessary and to complete journeys by early evening where possible.
Network Rail has also warned that reduced timetables will affect routes across the West Midlands and neighbouring regions, with further disruption possible overnight.
National Highways has issued an amber severe weather alert for the West and East Midlands, warning that snow could make driving conditions hazardous from 6pm Thursday through to Friday morning.
Public urged to take care
Authorities are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, check transport updates before setting out, and allow extra time for essential journeys. Drivers are advised to prepare for poor visibility, icy roads and possible delays, while pedestrians are warned to take care on slippery pavements.
Conditions are expected to improve later on Friday morning, but disruption may continue into the day as services recover and snow clears.
