Storm Goretti has caused widespread disruption across the UK, with hundreds of schools closed, rail services suspended, and flights cancelled. The Met Office has issued fresh yellow warnings for snow and ice covering much of Scotland, northern England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire, effective from early Sunday until 3pm. Separate ice warnings are in place for England and Wales from Friday to Saturday.
In Cornwall, RNLI volunteers faced hurricane-strength winds, responding to seven incidents on Thursday night. The storm has damaged infrastructure, including the roof of the Cornish Pirates rugby stadium in Penzance. National Grid reported restoring power to over 169,000 properties in the south-west, Midlands, and south Wales by Friday noon.
Travel remains severely affected, with roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. Cornwall Council advised against non-essential travel. The criminal justice system also suffered, with no remand prisoners transported to Birmingham Crown Court due to road conditions. Scotland's first minister John Swinney stated efforts are now focused on recovery after days of intense snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.
Local authorities across England and Wales activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers. The Mayor of London activated SWEP for the second time this year. Tragically, two rough sleepers died in Manchester during recent cold weather: Michael Heaton, 26, and Anthony Horn, 47.
Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos urged the government to convene the Cobra emergency committee, stating the south-west is often overlooked. The government has not yet responded to this call.
