Snow on way as weather threatens travel plans

Snow was forecast to hit the West Midlands this afternoon, with up to four inches expected in some areas.

The region has so far avoided the worst of the wintry weather that has caused chaos across other parts of the country over Christmas, but people were today being warned to expect disruption.

Snow was at its worst in Wales earlier today. As well as parts of the Midlands there were also snow showers in the West Country, north east England and Scotland.

Up to four inches (10cm) of snow was expected on high ground later in the day, while long periods of rain were expected in the south of the country.

Severe frosts have also been forecast over the next few days.

Express & Star weatherman John Warner said: "I am expecting snow, it was already falling in central Wales this morning. I think it is height critical and those places above 500ft will notice the biggest drifts. Particularly areas like Staffordshire and Shropshire I think will see the most. I think in areas like Wolverhampton and Sandwell the traffic should keep the roads clear.

"Although just a slight shift in temperature can mean a heavier frost.

"We are 95 per cent certain the cold weather is going to go on for another week and so we could end up with some very severe frosts."

West Midlands salt sales have been soaring ahead of the expected downfall today. Morrisons has said sales of 1.5kg bags of table salt rose by almost 400 per cent and sales of 1kg bags rose by almost 340 per cent last week.

Somerfield in Penn, Wolverhampton, has also seen an "increased demand" in sales of table salt, while at Tesco in Codsall, managers are bracing themselves for increased sales.

Icy conditions have proved a hazard for motorists, with a pick-up truck containing five people crashing through a barrier on the Black Country Route and rolling down an embankment after apparently skidding on ice.

The silver Ford Ranger Wildtrack vehicle came to rest on its side down at the bottom of an embankment after skidding on ice at The Keyway Junction in Willenhall yesterday.

None of the five people in the pick-up which was heading towards Walsall were hurt when it plunged down the bank off Owen Road shortly before 9.20am. The occupants were taken to hospital for check-ups as a precaution.