Snow shuts West Midlands schools and causes transport problems
HEAVY overnight snow has forced hundreds of schools in Birmingham to close and has caused widespread disruption across the transport networks.
Around 300 schools and colleges are shut today after snow continued to pour down in the region.
Birmingham Airport was closed overnight causing lengthy delays for passengers who were hoping to escape the cold snap.
The runway was closed during the early hours of the morning and although it has re-opened many flights have been cancelled or transferred to other airports.
Passengers are urged to contact their airline if they have any questiosn.
The motorway network is operating as usual although the outside lanes of the M42 still have a heavy coating of snow.
Salt-spreaders and snowploughs have been working flat out treating motorways and major ‘A’ roads to help ease the treacherous conditions.
Chiltern Railways have re-opened after also closing overnight while buses are operating their normal service although delays are expected.
Both the Highways Agency and West Midlands Ambulance Service has warned people to stay inside unless they desperately need to get out.
The service has been inundated with calls during the extreme conditions and are using every vehicle available to them.
Southern areas were the worst affected overnight with snowfall reaching 40cm in some parts.
Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for the West Midlands with sub-zero temperatures and snow affecting travel.
The Met Office has forecast more snow throughout the day. The worst affected areas are expected to be Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
