A rare red weather warning is in place across parts of the UK as Storm Goretti batters the country with winds reaching 99 miles per hour, leaving tens of thousands of homes without electricity and causing severe disruption to travel.
Red Alert: Danger to Life as Violent Gusts Hit
The Met Office issued its highest-level alert for wind, covering Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly until 11pm on Thursday 8th January 2026. The forecaster warned of "violent gusts" posing a potential danger to life. A wind speed of 99mph was recorded at St Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly, setting a new record for the location.
By 9pm, the storm's fury had already resulted in widespread blackouts. Data from National Grid showed more than 47,000 properties were without power in the South West. Additionally, over 5,000 homes lost supply in the West Midlands and around 2,000 in Wales.
Widespread Disruption and Travel Chaos
The red warning indicates expectations of structural damage, flying debris, very large waves, and major interruptions to power and transport. Dozens of schools in Cornwall closed early on Thursday afternoon as a precaution.
Network Rail suspended all train services in Cornwall from 6pm. In Devon, services on the Exeter-Okehampton and Exeter-Barnstaple lines were also halted due to the forecast. Passengers were urged to complete journeys early, with disruptions expected to continue into Friday morning. No replacement road transport will be provided due to dangerous conditions.
A 'Multi-Hazard' Event and Explosive 'Weather Bomb'
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong described Storm Goretti as a "multi-hazard event." While the far South West faces extreme winds, other parts of the UK are braced for significant snow, rain, and ice.
The storm is also classified as a 'weather bomb', or explosive cyclogenesis. This occurs when the central pressure in a low-pressure system plummets rapidly. The BBC reported that Storm Goretti's pressure dropped by 36 millibars in 24 hours, far exceeding the 24-millibar threshold required. The Met Office stated such storms can generate winds strong enough to cause structural damage.
Further warnings are in effect nationwide. An amber warning for snow is active from 8pm Thursday until 9am Friday for parts of Wales, the Midlands, and Yorkshire, with up to 30cm forecast on higher ground. Dozens of schools in these areas will remain closed on Friday. A yellow wind warning covers the rest of the south coast and Wales, where gusts could reach 70mph. The Met Office noted these speeds could be stronger than those seen during Storm Ciaran (2023) and Storm Eunice (2022).
This is the first red warning issued since Storm Eowyn in January 2025. Authorities are urging the public to avoid travel where possible and to follow guidance from emergency services and local councils.
