School closures and travel disruption across West Country

Trains have been cancelled and some schools closed as Storm Goretti brings disruption.

A Met Office warning for snow is in place until 12:00 GMT for the south-west of England, with strong winds and heavy rain causing issues.

Cross Country services have been cancelled from Cheltenham Spa to Swindon, Bristol Temple Meads to Cheltenham Spa and Cheltenham Spa to Bristol Parkway due to “forecasted severe weather”.

In Gloucestershire, several schools have closed as the county saw a light dusting of snow in some parts.

Forest View Primary School, SGS Forest High School and St White’s School in Cinderford are closed to students due to poor conditions.

Some Great Western Railway (GWR) services calling at Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway have also been cancelled, including lines to Paignton and Edinburgh.

Travellers are being urged to check their journeys.

Gloucestershire Highways said some snow is lying on higher ground in the Forest of Dean, and teams are clearing roads ahead of the rush hour.

“Please drive with care and allow extra time”, they said.

Meanwhile, there are restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge in both directions due to strong winds.

Traffic monitoring site Inrix said drivers are being diverted off the motorway at junction 2 eastbound or junction 1 westbound, around the roundabouts and back on to cross the bridge, which remains open.

Bristol Airport is open as usual but Birmingham Airport has suspended all flights due to the severe weather.