After falling out of the play-off frame following a 3-1 home defeat against Brentford last Saturday, the Shrews climbed straight back into it as first-half goals from Graham Coughlan and Grant Holt, from the penalty spot, eased Paul Simpson's men to victory.
Following the Brentford reversal Simpson made three changes, as Michael Jackson and Steven Leslie were recalled while up front while Nick Chadwick was given a first start alongside Holt following his recent move from Hereford United.
With snow still piled around the side of the pitch, Shrewsbury made heavy weather of the opening stages, but after skipper Ben Davies twice went close in quick succession, the home side finally broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.
From his second well-struck effort, Davies saw Stanley keeper Kenny Arthur palm the ball over - but from the ensuing Leslie corner, central defender Coughlan rose highest to plant a firm header into the back of the net from eight yards and claim his third goal of the campaign.
Prompted by young midfielder Jimmy Ryan - who had a spell on-loan with Shrewsbury from Liverpool last term - Accrington responded with a spell of pressure.
In the 39th minute a fierce 20-yarder from Ryan struck the underside of the Shrewsbury bar and rebounded to safety. But a minute later the visitors found themselves two goals down, when Kieran Charnock sent Chadwick crashing in the box.
Referee Evans immediately pointed to the penalty spot - and Holt stepped forward to strike his 22nd goal of the season.
Shrewsbury almost made it three within a minute of the restart, but full-back Darren Moss saw his close-range effort grabbed by Arthur - who later made a fine save to thwart a Leslie free-kick.
Despite one or two late scares, Shrewsbury saw their way safely through the closing stages to safely secure the points and reclaim a play-off spot.