Trains are being cancelled, people are being told to stay at home, and it’s starting to get more than a little blustery outside. It’s not quite the apocalypse, but Storm Goretti is ready to bombard the UK tonight (Thursday, January 8) with one of the most severe weather events we’ve seen in years.
A red warning for wind has been issued for the Isles of Scilly and much of Cornwall as Storm Goretti is forecast to bring gusts of over 100mph, while an amber warning for snow has also been issued for Wales and the Midlands and parts of northern England.
Birmingham sits at the heart of the amber warning for snow, bringing the risk of heavy snowfall, travel disruption and dangerous conditions to the area. We’re likely to see 10 to 15 centimetres of snow in many places, while higher ground could see up to 20 to 30 centimetres.
Why is this happening?
A deep area of low pressure crossing the south of the UK will bring a ‘multi-hazard’ event (what some people are calling a ‘weather bomb’) through Thursday evening and into Friday morning.
When will it snow in Birmingham?
The Met Office’s warning covers from 8pm on Thursday, January 8, until 9am on Friday, January 9, but here’s a breakdown of what to expect and when:
- 3pm to 6pm: Mostly rain, possible sleet.
- 6pm to 8pm: Rain turns to sleet and wet snow.
- 8pm to 11pm: Snow likely across Birmingham.
- 11pm to 6am: Highest snow expected, with heavy bursts.
- 6am to 9am: Snow eases, while icy conditions and rainfall remain.
How should I prepare?
Make sure you have stocked up on essentials in case you are cut off by the snow later, like torches, candles, matches, blankets, food etc. If you lose heat, wearing layers of loose-fitting lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than bulky clothing, and close internal doors to trap the heat in. To prevent frozen pipes, however, open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
If you need to drive somewhere, check your car, plan your route—checking for delays and road closures—and pack essentials (like a battery pack) before setting off. Once on the road, drive safely using dipped headlights, low revs and higher gears—and remember to keep your distance from other vehicles and steer into skids.