The UK is bracing for severe disruption as Storm Goretti makes landfall, triggering a rare and highest-level red wind warning for parts of the South West. The Met Office alert, active from 4pm until 11pm on Thursday 8 January 2026, warns of "violent gusts" posing a potential danger to life in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Immediate Danger and Emergency Alerts
The forecaster has stated that winds could reach 80 to 100mph or more in exposed areas, with a gust of 67mph already recorded at Predannack in Cornwall. The red warning signifies an expectation of dangerous weather where action must be taken to stay safe. The Cabinet Office confirmed it issued two emergency alerts to mobile phones in the affected zones, reaching an estimated half a million people.
The first alert went to the Isles of Scilly around 3pm, followed by a second for Cornwall at approximately 5pm. Compatible phones received a loud, siren-like sound lasting about ten seconds, even if set to silent, containing critical safety guidance.
Widespread Disruption and Travel Chaos
The storm's impact is already being felt. Dozens of schools in Cornwall closed early on Thursday afternoon. Network Rail has suspended all train services in Cornwall from 6pm, with services on the Exeter-Okehampton and Exeter-Barnstaple lines in Devon also halted. Passengers were urged to travel earlier and avoid journeys later in the day.
Disruption is expected to continue into Friday morning, with no replacement road transport available due to dangerous conditions on the roads. The RAC warned motorists to avoid driving unless absolutely essential, advising them to park well away from trees.
A 'Multi-Hazard' Event and Historic Comparisons
Named by Météo-France, Storm Goretti has been described by the Met Office as a "multi-hazard event." While the far South West faces extreme winds, other parts of the UK are contending with significant snow, rain, and ice warnings.
Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong explained that 10-15cm of snow is likely across parts of Wales and the Midlands, with 20-30cm possible on higher ground. An amber snow warning is in place from 8pm Thursday until 9am Friday, leading to dozens of school closures in those regions.
The Met Office indicated that the wind speeds in the red warning area could be stronger than those during notable past storms like Ciaran (2023) and Eunice (2022). The storm is also classified as a "weather bomb" or explosive cyclogenesis, with its central pressure dropping by 36 millibars in 24 hours.
The last red weather warning issued in the UK was for Storm Eowyn in January 2025. Authorities are urging the public in all affected areas to follow advice from emergency services, avoid travel, and stay updated with the latest forecasts.
