The Met Office has issued an extremely rare red weather warning for Storm Goretti, covering Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, effective from 4pm until midnight on Thursday. The warning urges residents to stay indoors as winds of up to 100mph are expected.
Storm Goretti is described as a “multi-hazard event”, bringing a combination of snow, wind, rain, and ice across the UK. The red warning, the highest level, indicates “exceptionally strong” northwesterly winds with violent gusts that could persist for two to three hours. Peak gusts of 80-100mph or more are forecast in exposed areas.
The Met Office advises people to avoid travel and secure loose items such as bins, garden furniture, and trampolines. “It is not safe to drive in these conditions,” the warning states, adding that being outside in high winds makes individuals vulnerable to injury.
In addition to the wind, Storm Goretti is expected to bring significant snowfall to parts of Wales and the Midlands, with accumulations of 10-15cm widely and up to 30cm on higher ground. Heavy rain may also cause disruption in Wales and East Anglia.
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands and the very strong winds in the far South West.” He advised those in warning areas to keep up to date with forecasts and local authority messages.
