Storm Goretti: Latest on disruption caused by snowfall in Shropshire
Residents across Shropshire woke to snow this morning due to Storm Goretti, causing widespread disruption to power, schools and the transport network.
An Amber weather warning remains in place until 9 am and a Yellow warning extending until noon. Snow accumulations have reached up to 20–30cm in higher areas such as the Shropshire Hills.
Motorists are being urged to avoid travelling if possible this morning. The poor weather conditions have made many untreated rural roads impassable. National Highways has urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel until later this afternoon, warning of the risk of becoming stranded.
Severn Trent has issued a reminder to residents to protect outdoor pipes as temperatures remain near freezing, warning that the "freeze-thaw" effect could lead to bursts as the storm eases later.
In Oswestry, snow brought down the Christmas Lights on The Cross, elsewhere across Shropshire, many telephone and fibre internet cables are also down, especially on estate roads.
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School Closures
A large number of schools across the county are closed today. See the following links for details:
- School Closures in Telford and Wrekin
- School closures in the Shropshire Council area
Shropshire Council took the preemptive step on Thursday to cancel all school transport, including SEND transport, for Friday. Many schools also took the early decision to close, moving to online learning for pupils.
Shrewsbury College and Telford College are closed on Friday.
In most cases, schools will contact parents and carers directly regarding closures.
Train Services
On the tracks, Transport for Wales and West Midlands Railway are operating significantly reduced timetables.
Network Rail is advising passengers not to travel this morning due to service disruption.
The following routes are fully suspended:
– Cambrian Coast Line (Machynlleth to Pwllheli) – suspended all day.
– Borderlands Line (Wrexham to Bidston).
– Conwy Valley Line (Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog).
– Heart of Wales Line (Shrewsbury to Swansea via Llandrindod).
– West of Carmarthen (Services to Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, and Fishguard Harbour).
– Maesteg and Ebbw Vale services.
A reduced hourly service will remain on core routes, including Cardiff to Crewe and Shrewsbury to Holyhead, though these are subject to delay.
Rail operators have confirmed that no bus replacements will run today due to dangerous road conditions.
For the latest on train services in Shropshire:
Bus Services
The Facebook pages of local bus services will be updating their information for passengers:
In the Shropshire Council area, there’s no school transport today, and there will also be no SEND school transport or transport to adult day centres.
Power Issues
If you have a loss of power, the latest information can be found at powercut105.com/en
Waste Collection Disruption
Following last night's snow there will be no recycling or waste collections today in the Shropshire Council area today. If Friday is your normal collection day please bring your bins/boxes/bags back in if you're able and put them out again on Monday. Crews will catch up throughout next week, but will prioritise normal collections and then catch up at the end of each day. Garden waste collections will be suspended until crews have caught up with recycling and rubbish collections.
For Telford and Wrekin, Purple top / blue bags / food caddies / red top bins - Please leave these out safely - crews will collect them as soon as possible. Green bins - If your bin isn’t emptied, please take it back in and present it again on your next scheduled collection day.
Other Closures
- Haughmond Hill near Shrewsbury is closed until further notice due to snow and ice.
- Bridgnorth Town Council has taken the decision to close all its grounds until 7.30 am on Monday.
- Whitchurch Friday Market is off today.
- Lawley and Overdale Parish Council have have taken the decision to cancel its Tea, Toast and Talk Session and Lawley Youth Club on Friday. Both clubs will return next week.
- Great Dawley Town Council offices will be closed today, with staff working remotely. Today’s Dawley Dinner has been cancelled. The Dawley & Malinslee Community Library is closed today.
Shropshire Local at Guildhall Shrewsbury, Ludlow Library and the Shifnal Library drop in will be closed today, Friday.
Much Wenlock Leisure Centre will not open today (Friday) and a decision will be made later about opening tomorrow. SpArC Bishops Castle will remain closed today.
- Attingham Park will be opening later than usual on Friday at 10.30 am. This will allow for the outdoor team time to safely assess and clear the drives, car parks, and routes between the Stables and the Mansion.
