Storm Goretti Set To Batter UK As Weather Warnings Issued
The UK’s cold snap is tightening its grip as Storm Goretti, the first named storm of the year, moves in with a mix of heavy snow, strong winds and rain. Warnings are in force across much of the country, with forecasters saying the worst conditions are likely to be from Thursday into Friday.
The storm, named by Météo-France, is expected to track across southern parts of the UK, while its northern edge brings snow to Wales, the Midlands and other parts of England. Forecasters say snowfall could be disruptive, especially over higher ground, with depths in the 5–10cm range and deeper drifts possible in some areas.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong warned the system will bring several hazards at once. “Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many,” he said.
Strong winds are another concern, particularly in the southwest. Gusts of 50–60mph are expected across the country, with exposed coasts and hills seeing stronger conditions. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly face the highest risk, where an Amber warning has been issued for very severe gusts.
Yellow and Amber warnings are also in place across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of England for snow, ice and wind. Earlier this week, Scotland saw significant disruption, with hundreds of schools closed in areas including Shetland, Orkney and Aberdeenshire. National Rail has warned of continued disruption to services in northern Scotland.
The cold has already made its mark. The Met Office confirmed that Monday night was “the coldest night of the winter so far,” with temperatures plunging well below freezing in parts of the UK. In Scotland, deep snow has been recorded in some locations, while icy conditions have made travel difficult elsewhere.
Health officials are urging caution as temperatures remain low. UK Health Security Agency Amber cold weather health alerts are in place across England, highlighting the risk to vulnerable people. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of households are receiving cold weather payments to help with heating costs after multiple days of freezing temperatures triggered the scheme.
Drivers are also being warned to think twice before travelling in the worst-hit areas. RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “In the areas worst affected by Storm Goretti, drivers need to be considering if it’s safe to get behind the wheel.” She urged motorists to allow extra time, prepare vehicles properly and avoid risky shortcuts during icy conditions.
Looking ahead, conditions are expected to ease briefly as the storm clears eastwards late Friday, with a calmer spell possible on Saturday for some. However, forecasters say the outlook beyond that is far from settled. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “It’ll remain cold or very cold to start the weekend, although for most it will be dry.” He warned that the battle between cold air and milder Atlantic systems could bring further snowfall into Sunday and Monday, making it important to keep an eye on the latest forecasts and warnings.
