Winter's Fury Strikes the East Midlands!
The East Midlands is blanketed in snow, and Storm Goretti has brought more than just picturesque scenes. While the snow may look beautiful, it's causing quite a stir and disrupting daily life.
- Winter Wonderland Captures:
Our Weather Watchers have shared stunning wintry photos. From Stapleford to Coalville and Derbyshire's Winster, each image captures the essence of a snowy paradise. These pictures are not just for the eyes; they could be framed and hung, showcasing the region's beauty.
- Official Snow Depths: A Limited Perspective:
Simon King, BBC Weather
We have official snow depth measurements from Met Office stations, but they only tell part of the story. Places like Lake Vyrnwy (16cm), Nottingham (8cm), and Sennybridge (7cm) have significant snow, but it's not a comprehensive picture. Our Weather Watchers report heavy snow across the Midlands, Wales, and the Peak District, with substantial accumulations on higher ground.
- Stranded Travelers:
Heidi Booth, East Midlands
Bus driver Remy Joshua found himself trapped in the snow at Alfreton bus station. About 20 passengers were waiting to board, but the thick snow prevented their departure. Kayode Opatoyinbo, 33, was also stranded after his bus back to Derby was canceled during his night shift. He expressed his hope for a bus to arrive soon, but the situation was uncertain.
- M1 Lanes Reopen:
National Highways has reopened all lanes on the M1 northbound between junctions 28 and 29 after an earlier lorry crash caused closures.
- Bin Collections Disrupted:
The snow has impacted waste management across the region. Mansfield and Ashfield district councils have suspended collections due to weather and staff safety concerns. Meanwhile, Leicestershire's Charnwood Borough Council has suspended garden waste collections due to staff shortages. Derbyshire's bin collections remain unaffected for now, but updates will be provided.
- Timelapse: Snowfall in Leabrooks:
A timelapse video shows the rapid transformation of Leabrooks, Derbyshire, into a winter wonderland between 20:00 and 22:30 GMT on Thursday.
- School Closures:
Over 30 schools in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire have closed due to the snow. This includes schools like the Brunts Academy, Brinsley Primary, and Underwood C Of E Primary. Some schools, like the Joseph Whitaker School, are closed but will still hold scheduled exams.
- Snow Day in Leicestershire:
At least 20 schools in Leicester and Leicestershire are closed. The list includes Quorn Hall School, South Wigston High School, and Castle Rock School. Many schools send out alerts, but closures are also listed on council websites.
- Nottingham Trams Affected:
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) reports a power failure, causing trams to be unable to run between Wilkinson Street and Nottingham Station.
- Cars Struggling in Kirkby Woodhouse:
Matt Bunn, East Midlands
The snow is deep in Kirkby Woodhouse, and cars are having a tough time navigating the hills. Sirens can be heard in the background, adding to the challenging atmosphere.
- Bin Collections Canceled in North West Leicestershire:
North West Leicestershire District Council has decided to stop waste and recycling collections on Friday due to weather conditions. Those with Friday collections have been advised to put their bins out on Monday instead.
- Business as Usual in Beeston:
Steve Beech, Nottingham
Despite the snow, the bus and tram interchange in Beeston is operating as usual. Bus services are running smoothly, and the tram operator displays a message assuring commuters of a regular service, offering a welcome relief from the cold.
- Queuing Traffic on the M1:
A lorry crash on the M1 northbound between junctions 28 and 29 has caused three lanes to close, leading to tailbacks and congestion.
- Arriva Bus Services Disrupted:
Jude Winter, East Midlands
Arriva has announced disruptions to its services due to the snow. In Leicestershire, certain routes are serving only main roads, and others have been suspended. Derby's bus services, except route 38, are also suspended due to poor road conditions.
- Lorry Crash on the M1:
Jude Winter, East Midlands
A lorry crash on the M1 northbound between Junction 28 and Junction 29 has resulted in three lanes being closed. Recovery efforts are underway, and winter fleet vehicles are clearing snow from the closed lanes. Delays of up to 30 minutes and four miles of congestion have been reported.
- Trentbarton Services Disrupted:
Jude Winter, East Midlands
Bus company Trentbarton is experiencing disruptions due to the weather. As of 05:30 GMT, several services, including those from Sutton-in-Ashfield depot, are not running. The H1 service from Derby to Alfreton is also suspended. Parts of the Skylink Nottingham service are not being served, and services are terminating at East Midlands Airport.
- School Closures in Leicestershire:
At least 13 schools in Leicestershire are closed, including Bosworth Academy and Leicester Grammar School.
- Dogs Enjoying the Snow:
A heartwarming sight: a dog exploring fresh snow in Derby, enjoying the winter weather.
- Mansfield Bin Collections Halted:
Mansfield district council has halted bin collections due to unsafe conditions. The council will monitor the situation and provide further updates.
