Blizzards reprieve as UK battered
Thousands of homes were left without power today after snow blizzards, heavy rain and strong winds battered much of the UK.
But the West Midlands appeared to escape the brunt of the freak weather which caused chaos on the country's roads and at airports, and led to flash flooding in some places.
Snow fell across the Black Country from around 7 last night and in Staffordshire this morning but wet conditions meant the majority did not stick. Only one school was closed in Wolverhampton today.
St Chad's Primary School in Pattingham shut due to problems with its heating.
High Arcal School in Sedgley, did not open until 10.30am while gritting was carried out.
In Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire heavy snowfall meant as many as 3,000 households were waking up to no power this morning.
Some areas of Worcestershire reported flash floods with run-off from fields but the Wyre Forest district escaped problems.
However, the region may have seen the worst of the wintry weather for the time being, according to Sarah Holland from the Met Office.
She said there was no sign of further snowfall.
"Today's not going to be a bad day, and it should be quite sunny and dry. Overnight the temperatures will be around freezing or just above but tomorrow will be another dry and bright day and it looks like it's going to remain that way for the rest of the week," she said.
The overnight winter storm wreaked havoc for people trying to get around with roads closed, trains cancelled and flights disrupted across the UK. There were more than 90 flood warnings across the country.
Virgin Trains cancelled some services between London and Birmingham and Manchester yesterday and today. Bristol International Airport was closed overnight and several flights were disrupted at Luton airport.
Springfield Primary School in Rowley Regis and Perryfields High School in Oldacre Road, Oldbury are both closed today due to weather. Perryfields is on a steep hill and motorists have been struggling to get up it.
