Snow Shuts Schools, Disrupts Transport Shropshire!

More than 10,000 properties in Shropshire have been left without power after heavy snowfall overnight caused widespread disruption across the county.

National Grid confirmed that teams have been “working around the clock” to restore electricity supplies. However, Field Operations Director Roisin Quinn noted that extreme weather conditions have made it difficult for crews to reach affected areas safely. Residents are being urged to continue reporting faults as work continues.

The severe weather also led to the closure of nearly 250 schools and the cancellation of rail services, as snow and ice made travel hazardous.

Water supplier Severn Trent reported that a number of households experienced reduced or cut-off water supply after a pump failed due to the power outages. The company said it was cooperating with National Grid to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Local residents described some of the worst snowfall in years. Lee Hassan, who lives in Clee Hill, reported 18 inches (46cm) of snow in his garden, with drifts reaching up to 4ft (1.2m) in certain areas. Despite the challenges, he highlighted the strong community spirit, saying he assisted two stranded motorists by offering blankets, bathroom access, and transport to a local pub.

Farmers have been thanked for helping to clear rural roads, although many routes remained impassable on Friday morning without a four-wheel drive vehicle.

On Thursday night, Gareth Pugh from Cressage counted around 30 stranded vehicles, including cars, buses, and an ambulance, stuck on the steep road to Much Wenlock at Harley Bank, describing the conditions as “pretty treacherous.”

Meanwhile, Tim Russell from Clun said losing power made him realize “how reliant we are” on electricity during severe weather.