No end in sight for big freeze

Snow and ice tightened its grip on the West Midlands today – with no end in sight to the longest cold spell in almost 30 years.

See also: start headline Photos: Snow across the West Midlands

start content spanning two columns Forecasters say temperatures will not get above freezing before Sunday at the earliest with lows of -7C (19F) predicted tonight.

Around 300 schools were closed today while trains, planes and buses all suffered delays.

Up to three inches of snow fell in the West Midlands overnight and flakes were falling steadily over large parts of the region again this morning.

More snow is expected on Saturday and Sunday as temperatures hover below freezing. Motorists were today warned they face further treacherous driving conditions as the snow refreezes.

In Cradley, residents had to be evacuated because of a risk of an explosion when a car crashed into a Chinese takeaway and ruptured a gas main. The Golf ploughed into The Golden Cup in Colley Gate around 10pm yesterday. No-one was injured.

The M54 was closed last night between junctions three and two eastbound after a HGV jackknifed at around 9.20pm. Rescue crews had to recover the lorry and clear up the diesel spillage which happened as a result of the crash. The road reopened at 2am today.

Birmingham Airport was forced to close its runway for 12 hours – the longest period it has shut in its history. Several inbound flights were diverted to other airports.

Train companies were also warning passengers of delays throughout the the region while bosses at National Express West Midlands said that in Dudley and West Bromwich buses were sticking to the main roads in the worst affected areas.

In Walsall buses were running on main roads only in Beechdale and Blakenhall.

Hospitals were today dealing with a huge workload caused by people injured in the snow. One girl in Kidderminster broke her ankle after a car lost control and ploughed into her as she walked home from school yesterday. People are searching for the driver, who drove away from the scene in Habberley Lane.

Dave Britton, from the Met Office, said today: "We've seen a few wintry snow showers this morning but later it is getting quite dry and bright. But the snow is going to re-freeze which will make for very, very tricky driving conditions. This is probably the coldest cold spell since 1981."