Weather Warning: More snow forecast for Shropshire today

Information on this page is out of date - for the latest updates see:
Snow and ice continue to disrupt travel, many schools remain closed

Sunday 10 December 2017

Snow is falling across Shropshire today with an Amber weather warning in force, motorists are being urged not to drive.

The Amber warning for further snowfall is in place from 4am until 6pm today.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "A spell of snow is expected over a central swathe of the UK on Sunday. This snow starts to develop during the early hours of Sunday with the heaviest and most persistent snow then likely during Sunday morning. 10 cm looks likely quite widely within this warning area, with 15-20 cm in places.

"Road and rail travel delays are possible, as well as stranding of vehicles and public transport cancellations.

"There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off."

Bus services across Shropshire have been suspended and train services were also cancelled and disrupted.

The A5 between Shrewsbury and Wellington was closed for a time this morning as vehicles struggled to use the road.

The A458 was also closed between Shrewsbury and Middletown after a vehicle collided with an electricity pole bringing down cables.

A number of schools have already said they will be closed on Monday:
For schools in the borough of Telford and Wrekin see http://apps.telford.gov.uk/snowline/

For details of any school closures in the Shropshire Council area see http://shropshire.gov.uk/school-closures

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust has taken the decision that it will be providing community services to essential or critical patients only today (Sunday 10 December) and tomorrow (Monday 11 December). They will not be carrying out home visits to non-essential patients during this time and all outpatient appointments are being cancelled.

Telford & Wrekin Council say their gritting teams have been out twice since 3am. As soon as they use all their grit, they're going back to fill up and get straight back out & will continue to do so throughout today. Highways teams are also out working to help keep key routes as clear as possible.

Latest Updates - 18:00
Our updates have ended for Sunday, the information below may be out of date when read.

- Arriva Midlands West say due to the poor weather conditions in the area, all bus services in Shropshire are suspended until further notice.

- There are various cancellations and delays on trains for the latest see http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk enter the station you wish to use and travel time.

- Brick Kiln Bank, Lightmoor, Telford - A fallen tree has brought down a power cable.

- The road from Little Wenlock to The Wrekin is closed for safety reasons.

- Legges Way, Madeley, Telford is closed.

- Cherry Tree Hill in Coalbrookdale is closed.

- Due to the weather conditions, all Telford & Wrekin Council leisure facilities will be closed today.

- Telford European Christmas Market will be closed today due to the adverse weather conditions.

- In Wellington, the Mayor's civic carol service planned for tonight at 6.30pm has been cancelled.

- Telford Ice Rink will close at 12.30pm with no Tigers game tonight.

- Both performances of Peter Pan at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place are cancelled today.

- West Mercia Police Front Counters will be closing at 2pm today. There are intercoms outside stations when closed - but have limited 'talk time' - so police say it would be helpful if you have a mobile so they can ring you back.

- Severn Valley Railway has cancelled all Santa Steam Specials on Sunday 10th December 2017. The decision was made in light of the heavy snow overnight, the continued snow forecast and amber warnings, and complete loss of power at Arley Station where Santa's Grotto is located. Those booked on today's services are advised not to call us today, and we will contact you this week with further advice on your purchase.

- All of the Ironbridge Gorge museums, including Blists Hill Victorian Town is closed. If you have tickets for our Christmas event you can use them next weekend.

- Telford Steam Railway have cancelled their Polar Express today to ensure the safety of volunteers and guests. The team are going to try and run an extra day to allow anyone with a ticket for Sunday 10th December to still travel on the Polar Express. Those booked for today will be contacted.

- BBC Radio Shropshire have cancelled their Carol Service due to take place today at St Chad's in Shrewsbury.

- Due to the weather, Whitchurch Band has taken the decision to cancel this afternoons concert as they feel it is too dangerous to ask people to travel. Money for tickets will be refunded if you get in touch with the band.

- All pool matches in Shrewsbury pool league are all cancelled due to the snow tonight and also all darts matches tomorrow night in the Shrewsbury district darts league are all cancelled due to the snow.

Avoid driving if possible
Motorists are being urged to venture out only if absolutely necessary.

Phil Stockford, emergency planning manager at Highways England, said: “Gritters are out treating our routes around the clock, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

Weather Forecast
Today: Breezy with outbreaks of snow persisting for much of the day, although becoming lighter and patchier during the afternoon. Some large accumulations of snow are likely in places, with the potential for disruption. A high of 2C.

Tonight: Snow becoming lighter and patchier overnight, while moving southwards. Clear spells developing in the north. A widespread severe frost with isolated freezing fog patches. A low of -7C.

Monday: Mainly bright and cold, but with some patchy sleet and snow possible in the south. Freezing fog patches may be slow to clear with some spots remaining below freezing. A high of 2C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Tuesday cold, dry with some sunshine. Wednesday windy with early rain clearing to squally showers. Bright spells and scattered showers on Thursday. Cold with overnight frosts throughout.