'Difficult' conditions on the region's motorways with 'heavy snowfall causing multiple incidents'

The photograph above was taken by a passenger in a vehicle joining the M54 from the M6 on Sunday.

He described "heavy snow" and "difficult conditions."

According to a Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service station manager, heavy snowfall is "causing multiple incidents" on the roads.

Firefighters responded to a collision on the M54, posting information about the incident on social media at 10:02am.

"M54 E 3-2 currently closed due to RTC. Heavy snowfall causing multiple incidents. Please drive with care," the post said.

An eyewitness also spotted what appeared to be another incident on the M54 heading into Wolverhampton. There were reportedly tailbacks as a result of it.

Conditions on the same motorway also appeared to be particularly snowy heading into Shropshire.

Craig Jackson, of Shropshire Fire and Rescue, posted a video showing just how heavy the snow has become.

The message, as you would expect is: "Please drive with caution."

South Staffs Police also confirmed that they are dealing with multiple collisions due to snow and ice.

"We are currently dealing with several road traffic collisions due to the Snow/Ice," they wrote on Twitter.

"Please think 'Do I really need to go out today?' Why risk it if not? It risks lives & puts massive additional strain on emergency services.

"Please only make really essential journeys. Many thanks."

A level three cold weather alert was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday.

It's expected to remain in place at least on Monday, with the Met Office confirming the Arctic weather is set to continue.

They also suggested the conditions could lead to more travel disruption, with there being a small chance some rural communities will become cut off and a risk of power cuts and mobile phone coverage being affected by the weather.

Severe weather has also affected the busy M6 toll road, with snow settling intermittently at junctions northbound of T4.

And it's not just the roads that are feeling the effects of the cold snap. Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport was also forced to close early because of the snow.

Darren Clark, severe weather resilience manager at National Highways, said gritters would be out to keep motorways and major A-roads open.

He said: "National Highways is committed to treating every road which needs to be treated – whenever it is needed."

West Mercia Police have also urged travellers to take care on the roads: "Take care if you're travelling today," they said on social media.