National Highways has issued an amber severe weather alert for snow across the Midlands – with motorists being cautioned about adverse conditions leading to significant disruption on the region’s roads.
The alert for the Midlands will take effect from 6pm on Thursday, January 8, and stay in place until 9am on Friday, January 9. Drivers are being advised to check conditions beforehand and brace themselves for possible travel chaos, , reports The Mirror.
“Storm Goretti will bring a spell of heavy snow overnight Thursday into Friday, initially on hills above 200m in the Midlands with rain initially on lower routes, but this is also likely to turn to snow,” National Highways said.
The transport authority cautioned that while accumulations remain uncertain, higher routes are likely to see between 8 and 12cm of snow. Routes surrounding Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham could expect approximately 10 to 15cm of snowfall.
Lower-level routes in the south and east of the East Midlands are predicted to receive between 3 and 8cm, whilst only minimal snow – between 0 and 2cm – is forecast for the far east and north of the East Midlands.
“The snow will often be slushy in the south and east with a slow thaw setting in through Friday,” National Highways said.
The body warned that routes connecting Birmingham to Leicester and Nottingham “will see particularly difficult driving conditions and consideration of the weather forecast should be taken before commencing journeys”. Delays are anticipated, with the A628 Woodhead Pass due to close on Thursday evening due to snowy conditions.
National Highways Yorkshire plans to close the A628 Woodhead Pass in both directions from 8pm on Thursday, January 8, as a result of heavy snowfall. The key route will be closed between the A616 Flouch and A57 Hollingworth.
National Highways reports that winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads have increased by 21% over the past five years, with more than 67,000 incidents recorded between December 2024 and February 2025 alone. Hazardous road conditions caused by weather continue to be one of the main causes of serious incidents during the winter months.
To help drivers stay safe this winter, the traffic authority has introduced the T.R.I.P. acronym: top-up with fuel, oil, screen-wash; rest every two hours; inspect tyre tread and pressure; and prepare for weather conditions.
In the meantime, the Met Office has issued amber alert warnings for snow across the East and West Midlands for Thursday and Friday.
Areas covered by the Met Office warning in the East Midlands region include: Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.
Areas covered by the Met Office warning in the West Midlands include: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation and Worcestershire.
“Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous,” the Met Office said.
“It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe.”
Planning your route, keeping abreast of delays and road closures, and modifying travel arrangements where necessary can improve safety when travelling in icy conditions. The Met Office advises allowing additional time for preparation and checking your vehicle before setting off.
Just as important is keeping a kit of essentials in your car to cope with any unforeseen delays. According to the weather experts, this should include warm clothes, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger.