Weather update: More snow's on the way... after winter flooding

MORE heavy snow is predicted for Staffordshire over the next 24 hours, bringing the risk of traffic chaos and school closures, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters issued a severe weather warning that four inches will fall in some parts of the county tonight, with depths of between six and eight inches a possibility in the Moorlands.

But first the county could be in for flooding as rain was expected this afternoon, adding to the water from the snow it melts.

The alert, lasting until noon tomorrow, gives a 60 per cent chance of disruption in both Stoke-on-Trent and the wider Staffordshire area, with drifts building up in strong north-westerly winds.

But despite the bad weather, schools opened this morning, although Birches Head High didn't start the day until 10am.

Meanwhile, fire engines from Longton and Hanley stations battled though the blizzards to a call in Fenton last night.

They were alerted by a passer-by about a blaze at the rear of the Darbar Healing Centre in Oldfield Street, but found it was a controlled burning of rubbish.

A brigade spokesman said: "The call was at around 8.30pm with the snow at its deepest, but the traction on modern appliances again helped us get through the side roads – even though it was just after snow had fallen and before gritters had the chance to get out."

Staffordshire County Council's highway teams were out all weekend and this morning to keep the county's core network of A and B routes free of ice.

But the authority said it continued to be challenged by a shortage of road salt.

Councillor John Wakefield, the county council's cabinet member for highways, said: "More cold weather is still on the cards for the next week. It's a constant state of high alert. But through exceptional vigilance and very careful salt stock management, we have managed to maintain the service for the people of Staffordshire.

"We are doing everything we can to eke out salt stocks to ensure operations are maintained. Like our colleagues across the country, we are looking to nationally co-ordinated efforts to replenish stocks in this exceptional period."

Virgin Trains has cancelled some services, including the Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston which calls at Stoke at 50 minutes past the hour. Its hourly service, which runs from Stoke-on-Trent at 11 minutes past, is expected to continue. Trains leaving Stoke to Manchester Piccadilly at 48 minutes past each hour have also been cancelled.