Snow causes disruption across the West Midlands

Widespread snowfall is disrupting travel across the West Midlands, after warnings were issued.

Motorists are reporting difficult driving conditions, with multiple bus routes terminating early or taking diversions.

In north Staffordshire, a Met Office amber weather warning was issued for heavy snowfall of up to 40cm (16in) in places.

National Highways has asked drivers to avoid travelling if possible.

Other parts of the West Midlands region are under a yellow warning, with ice and snow making conditions dangerous.

West Mercia Police said it was dealing with several accidents caused by the weather, and advised motorists to "adjust driving to suit the conditions".

Traffic Bromsgrove tweeted a video of conditions in Lickey, describing Monument Lane and other routes around high ground as “treacherous”.

National Express West Midlands reported service disruptions around Birmingham and the Black Country, with routes terminating early or following diversions.

Landflight Buses, which operates services around Solihull, tweeted it would be sticking to main roads due to some minor routes becoming unsafe.

Stagecoach Midlands also said it was also diverting routes between Banbury and Stratford upon Avon.

Transport for West Midlands advised passengers to check with operators before setting out.

A number of schools across Herefordshire took the decision to shut on Wednesday because of the weather, including six primaries and three high schools.

Kingstone, Fairfield and Lady Hawkins high schools were among those that sent pupils home at lunchtime, according to the council's website.

Sub zero overnight temperatures, caused by "Arctic maritime air", were set to continue until at least Friday, the Met Office said.

National Highways issued a "severe weather alert", which means routes could be treacherous until 08:00 GMT on Friday.

"Our gritters have been out in full force since Friday and will continue to treat the roads," said executive director of operations Duncan Smith.

"We are asking drivers to plan ahead, check the forecast and allow more time for their journeys."

HGV drivers have been warned to avoid steeper roads where vehicles could jack-knife.

Snow spreading from northern England is expected to become persistent through the afternoon and overnight but ease on Friday morning, said the Met Office.

Its amber weather warning, which extends north from Leek, predicts significant travel delays and blizzards, with some rural communities likely to become cut off.

Up to 4cm (1.5in) is expected to accumulate on lower ground across the wider region, with peaks of 10cm (4in) higher up.

With freezing temperatures extending overnight, ice is set to further disrupt travellers on Friday morning, said the Met Office.

Birmingham Airport tweeted it was “prepped and ready” for the weather, with snow ploughs and de-icers poised to clear runways.

A number of flight arrivals have been diverted to Birmingham after Bristol Airport temporarily closed.