Amber warning across the Midlands for snow as Storm Goretti hits the region

The Met Office has issued an amber warning as heavy rain, turning to snow is expected to hit the region overnight and into tomorrow morning.

West Midlands Fire Service has also urged drivers to "only make essential journeys if necessary" as the storm may cause "hazardous travel".

Cross Country Trains reduced their services from 3pm this afternoon with most trains throughout the West Midlands expected to have a reduced service from 7pm this evening.

West Midlands Railway and Network Rail has asked commuters to check journeys before travelling. Chiltern Railways advised those travelling that a "significantly reduced service" would be in place on Friday.

Sandwell Council said gritting crews had treated 270 miles of roads and warned surfaces could still be treacherous.

Dudley Council said it would be working hard to ensure services continued to run but that it was inevitable in severe weather some would be affected.

Residents can stay up to date with the latest situation on the council’s weather watch page which includes information on gritting, recycling and more.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: “We are continuing to monitor weather forecasts around the clock, with an amber weather warning in place for the next 24 hours as Storm Goretti approaches.

“The council has a storm plan in place in preparation for any impacts on the borough, and we are ready to work closely with emergency services if this is needed.

“Our gritting crews were out in force last night and will be out again today, with ploughs on standby for if there is any accumulation of snow. We have stepped up human resources so that we have the crews in place to respond and currently have more than 750 tonnes of grit salt in stock available. As always, we will continue to monitor and replenish this as needed.

“Residents can continue to make any service requests through MyDudley at any time and as always we would ask people to monitor weather forecasts, plan ahead of any journeys and drive to the conditions.”

West Midlands 4x4 Response charity provides support to the emergency services and will have 36 responders on duty as an amber weather alert comes into force.

In the South West of England a rare red alert has been issued for extremely high winds that could be a danger to life.