Leamington Spa residents are being urged to prepare as an amber weather warning for snow has been raised for Storm Goretti.

The storm is forecast to bring heavy snowfall and significant disruption from Thursday evening (8 January) through Friday morning (9 January). 

Up to 15cm of snow is expected in some areas, particularly on higher ground.

The Met Office has raised an amber weather warning for much of the Midlands including Warwickshire. Yellow warnings are in place for much of the country.

"Heavy snow, associated with Storm Goretti, is likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions Thursday night into Friday," meteorologists said.

Power cuts, travel delays and rail cancellations are all "likely".

Warwickshire County Council said gritters will be out on priority routes.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many.

"Goretti will bring snow on its northern edge, this most likely over Wales and the Midlands. Here accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely widely, with 15-25 cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30 cm very locally.

"An amber warning has been issued where the greatest risk of disruption is likely on Thursday night into Friday morning, though updates may be required as confidence increases in the exact track of Storm Goretti."

(Header image by Robin Stott via geograph.org.uk)