Heavy snow and strong winds to hit West Midlands

Feb 9 2009 by Christina Savvas

A SEVERE winter storm bringing heavy snow and strong winds was on course to hit the West Midlands later today, weather forecasters warned.

They issued the warning and said there would be no let-up in the big freeze, with another week of snow and freezing temperatures.

A low pressure system from the south is due to hit tonight, bringing with it up to 15cms of snow, they said.

The weather warning comes after another snow yesterday caused further problems for motorists.

Forecaster Byron Chalcraft said: “The snow fall last night and cold temperatures mean another cold and frosty start to the day. It will mean treacherous conditions on untreated areas.

“Heavy snow is forecast for this evening in the region and stong gale force winds which will make conditions quite nasty.

“There may be gusts of up to 40mph and parts of the Midlands could see up to 10 cms of snow.”

While the cold spell continues the Government has widened the search for foreign road salt.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said Britain was bringing in salt from Italy and Tunisia as well as Spain and Germany, amid continuing concern over shortages.