National Highways and the Met Office issue amber weather warnings as Storm Goretti to bring heavy snow

Drivers across large parts of England are being warned to prepare for difficult travel conditions as Storm Goretti is forecast to bring heavy snowfall and strong winter weather later this week.

National Highways, alongside the Met Office, has issued amber weather warnings for snow covering Thursday and Friday, with accumulations of up to 15cm expected in some urban areas. An amber severe weather alert has also been put in place for the Midlands, highlighting the risk of significant disruption on major routes.

The National Highways alert for the Midlands comes into force from 6pm on Thursday, January 8, and will remain active until 9am on Friday, January 9. Motorists are being urged to check forecasts before travelling and to prepare for possible delays and hazardous driving conditions.

“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.

While the exact levels of snowfall remain uncertain, higher ground is expected to see accumulations of between 8cm and 12cm. Areas around Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham could receive between 10cm and 15cm of snow, according to forecasts.

In contrast, lower-lying routes in the southern and eastern parts of the East Midlands are expected to see smaller totals of between 3cm and 8cm. Far eastern and northern parts of the region may only experience minimal snowfall, ranging from 0cm to 2cm.

“The snow will often be slushy in the south and east with a slow thaw setting in through Friday,” National Highways said.

Drivers using routes between Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham have been warned to expect particularly challenging conditions. National Highways advised that travel plans should be carefully considered before setting off, as delays are likely. The A628 Woodhead Pass is expected to close on Thursday evening due to snowfall.

National Highways Yorkshire has confirmed plans to shut the A628 Woodhead Pass in both directions from 8pm on Thursday, January 8. The closure will affect the section between the A616 Flouch and the A57 Hollingworth.

Figures from National Highways show winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads have risen by 21% over the past five years. More than 67,000 incidents were recorded between December 2024 and February 2025, with severe weather remaining a major factor in winter-related collisions.

To help motorists prepare, National Highways continues to promote its T.R.I.P. guidance: top-up fuel, oil and screen-wash; rest every two hours; inspect tyre pressure and tread; and prepare for the weather.

The Met Office has also issued amber snow warnings across both the East and West Midlands for Thursday and Friday.

In the East Midlands, affected areas include Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.

In the West Midlands, the warning covers Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, the 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.”

The Met Office also advises motorists to plan routes carefully, monitor road closures, allow extra time for journeys and ensure vehicles are ready for winter conditions. Drivers are encouraged to carry an emergency kit including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, de-icer, an ice scraper, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest and a phone charger.