The Met Office has taken the drastic step of issuing its highest-level red weather warning as Storm Goretti bears down on the United Kingdom. Residents in the most exposed parts of the South West of England have been given a stark instruction: stay indoors.
Maximum Alert for Extreme Winds
Forecasters escalated an existing amber alert to red on Thursday, 8th January 2026, indicating a significant danger to life from the incoming storm. The warning specifically covers the Isles of Scilly and coastal areas of Cornwall, where the situation is deemed most perilous.
The Met Office warns that Storm Goretti will unleash exceptionally strong northwesterly winds from Thursday evening, with peak gusts reaching 80 to 100 mph or even higher in the most exposed locations. This represents some of the most severe wind speeds possible in the UK.
Rapid Onset and Dangerous Conditions
The ferocious weather is expected to arrive swiftly. Winds are predicted to increase rapidly from 30-40 mph to violent, damaging gusts that could persist for two to three hours before beginning to ease. Even after the peak, strong winds will continue, with a broader yellow warning remaining active until Friday morning.
In addition to the catastrophic wind risk, the storm will generate another major hazard. Very large and powerful waves are forecast to batter coastal areas, creating extremely dangerous conditions along shorelines. The combination of high winds and coastal surges presents a severe threat to property and public safety.
Public Urged to Take Immediate Action
With the red warning in place, authorities and the Met Office are emphasising the critical nature of the situation. The clear and direct advice for those in the affected regions is to remain inside and avoid any unnecessary travel. The warning underscores that widespread structural damage, flying debris, and disruption to power supplies and transport networks are highly likely.
This rare red alert is the Met Office's most severe weather warning, reserved for when extreme weather conditions are expected to cause widespread disruption and pose a significant risk to life. The public is advised to monitor official updates closely and follow all safety guidance from local emergency services.
