Blizzard conditions as snow falls across Shropshire
Snow has fallen across Shropshire overnight with some parts of the county seeing several centimetres.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning as strong winds bringing blizzard conditions to the area.
An amber warning means that you need to be prepared for the weather and take steps to change your plans and protect you and your family or community from the impacts of the severe weather based on the forecast from the Met Office.
An area of low pressure is moving north-eastwards through today, as it mixes with cold air it has the potential to give around 10-15cm of snow at low levels and over 20cm on higher ground during today and tomorrow.
Snow ploughs were out overnight and a number of schools are closed today. The Ironbridge George Museums are also closed.
Will Lang, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “While it is not unusual to see snow in March, the cold weather we have seen has been quite prolonged. The next period of wintry weather has some uncertainty at this stage regarding where the worst of the snow will be so it is essential to watch for updates to severe weather warnings.
“As always, we are working with different agencies to help keep Britain on the move, and to keep people safe and well. However, people should be prepared for further disruption as we head through the next few days.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “With the weather conditions expected to deteriorate over the weekend, the public are being advised to take extra care on the roads.
“In those areas affected by snowfall we would urge people to allow additional time for their journey and make sure you have warm clothing, a mobile phone and warm drinks in your vehicle before you set off.”
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership said: “If you do need to travel take extra care on the roads and ensure your vehicle is in good running order before you leave. Vehicle handling can change considerably and it takes much longer to slow down on icy and slippery roads. Reduce your speed, keep well back from the vehicle in front and allow plenty of time to slow down. Steering may become unresponsive and if this happens, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Braking sharply on an icy or wet road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid.”
“With more snow forecast tonight and into the weekend, there is the potential for some travel disruption and the public are advised to watch or listen to local news for updates and be prepared to alter their travel plans.”
The unsettled weather looks set to continue into next week, with the UK remaining very much on the cold side.
Shropshire School Closures
For the latest information on school closures in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin visit Shropshire school closures.
Shropshire Travel News
BBC Radio Shropshire, Free Radio and Signal 107 has the latest travel news for Shropshire online and on-air.
Arriva bus service information is updated at https://twitter.com/arrivamidlandsW and for the latest train service details see Arriva Trains Wales and London Midland.
Council Snowlines
Telford & Wrekin Council’s snowline is available on 01952 380100, for the Shropshire Council snowline call 01743 252980. The snowline numbers will provide information on school closures and other council services affected by the weather.
