Shropshire Star

Shropshire and Mid Wales battered by heavy snow

Power lines were brought down and roads were blocked today as heavy snow hit Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Published
Last updated
Fallen trees being cleared from Bridgnorth Bypass. Photo: Jonathan Smith.

Safety alerts were issued as the region was hit by snow, with an amber warning in place from the Met Office.

With up to 20cm (8 inches) was dumped on the area as emergency services warned drivers only to venture outside if essential.

The eastbound carriageway of the M54 was closed this evening between junction three, for Cosford and junction 2, for Wolverhampton, due to a fallen tree.

The A5 was earlier closed in both diections from Preston Boats Island at Shrewsbury to the M54 at Junction 7 for Wellington, because of the snow. Diversions were in place via Emstrey island and the B4380 - the old A5.

The A458 was also closed in both directions between the A5 near Shrewsbury.and Wales after a vehicle hit a a telegraph pole. It was later reopened.

Hundreds of homes in Ironbridge were without power because of power lines coming down. Scores of isolated communities in rural Shropshire and Mid Wales were effectively cut off as minor roads were blocked.

Drivers in Oswestry responded to a call for help from the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital asking for volunteers with 4x4 vehicles to help staff get into work. More than 40 people responded.

Many schools will remain shut tomorrow after 70 in the county closed when the snow first fell on Friday.

Powys County Council said all school transport throughout the county would be cancelled.

Telford & Wrekin Council warned that some rubbish and recycling collections may not happen as usual today due to the snow.

The council said all day centres in Telford and Wrekin are also expected to be closed and there will be no Wrekin Rider, community buses, Dial-a-ride and Age UK bus services.

Follow live updates from Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands:

Flights were temporarily suspended at Birmingham Airport to clear the runway following heavy snowfall. Passengers were urged to check the airport's website or their airline for further information.

Highways England has issued a Severe Weather and said road users intending to travel through the region were advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they set off.

Heavy snow was expected to fall over the Midlands and Wales in the morning, thinning into lighter showers as the day progresses.

A number of school closures have already been announced for tomorrow. Shropshire Council confirmed they include Bicton Primary School in Shrewsbury and West Felton C of E Primary School near Oswestry. Radbrook Primary, Greenfields Primary and Mount Pleasant Primary, all in Shrewsbury, will also be closed.

Telford & Wrekin Council also confirmed John Fletcher Primary and St Mary’s Primary, both in Madeley, would be closing their doors.

Power lines were felled by the snow in Ironbridge, leaving several hundred homes with no electricity for much of this afternoon.

The cables were brought down by a fallen tree in Brick Kiln Bank, Lightmoor.

Another fallen tree brought down power lines in Buildwas Road, Ironbridge.

Western Power Distribution said about 300 properties had been affected by power cuts as a result.

It was supposed to be one of the busiest weekends of the year, with attractions across Shropshire and Mid Wales gearing up for Christmas.

But the majority were completely wiped out by the snowfall after it became clear it was just too difficult for staff and visitors to travel.

Severn Valley Railway announced that its Santa Steam Specials to meet Father Christmas in his grotto could no longer go ahead. The attraction said there had been a complete loss of power at Arley Station where Santa’s grotto is located and apologised for the inconvenience.

Telford European Christmas market and the Victorian Christmas event at Blists Hill were both cancelled due to the weather.

Meanwhile the Telford 10k race was not able to take place because pathways in the town’s park were too slippery. Organisers said the event had been rearranged and is now scheduled to take place on January 7.

The Weston Park estate and Attingham Park, both usually packed with visitors at this time of the year, were both closed yesterday.

Telford Ice Rink had to close its doors and last night’s match between the Telford Tigers and Bracknell Bees was postponed due to the bad weather.

Oakengates Theatre in Telford also had to cancel both performances of its Peter Pan pantomime and people were told they would be able to use their tickets for another performance. On its website it said: “We’re sorry, snow has grounded Peter Pan.”

While a post from the theatre on Twitter added: “Captain Hook and Smee are stuck on the snowy seas so unfortunately we are having to cancel both performances today.”

Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre also closed yesterday, but panto performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were able to go ahead at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.

Elsewhere, London and the rest of southern England and Wales were being lashed by strong winds and rain, where gusts could reach 70mph, according to the Met Office.

The amber alert is accompanied by a yellow warning of wind for parts of eastern England, London and the South East, the South West and Wales that could bring “short-term loss of power and other services” as well as transport disruption.

Temperatures are due to sink to minus double-digits in areas of Scotland overnight, while few places outside of southern England are expected to get above 0C.

Accumulations of 10cm (4in) of snow are expected widely in the warning areas, while 15-20cm (6in-8in) is possible in worst-hit areas.

Highways England issued advice for drivers travelling through the north west and north east of England and the Midlands to check the forecast and road conditions before they travel.

It said motorists should prepare for “any eventuality” by carrying “warm clothing, food, drink, required medication, boots, shovel and a torch”.

Some 18,000 homes were reconnected after losing power as a result of stormy weather on Friday, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said.