The Met Office has taken the exceptional step of issuing a rare red weather warning for wind as Storm Goretti batters the United Kingdom, bringing a severe threat to life from flying debris and dangerous conditions.
What Does the Red Warning Mean?
Active from 4pm until 11pm on Thursday, 8 January 2026, the highest-level alert covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Forecasters warn that "dangerous, stormy winds" could reach up to 100mph, increasing rapidly. The Met Office states red warnings are reserved for "very dangerous weather with a high level of certainty" and direct action is required to protect yourself and others.
Under this severe alert, the public should expect:
- Substantial damage to buildings, including roofs being blown off.
- A severe risk to life from flying debris.
- Widespread closures of roads, bridges, and railway lines.
- Major disruptions and cancellations to public transport and flights.
- Lengthy power cuts affecting mobile networks and other services.
- Very large waves throwing beach material onto coastal roads and properties.
A Multi-Hazard Storm Event
Storm Goretti, named by French forecaster Meteo France, has been labelled a "multi-hazard event" by the Met Office. While the red warning is for wind, the storm system is also set to bring significant snowfall and ice to large parts of the country, prompting warnings for "disruption and dangerous travelling conditions."
An amber warning for snow is in force from 8pm Thursday until 9am Friday, covering parts of Wales, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire. Rain is expected to turn to heavy snow, with 10-15cm likely widely and up to 30cm on higher ground in Wales and the Peak District. This raises the risk of rural communities becoming cut off.
Nationwide Disruption Expected
Further yellow warnings for wind, snow, and ice blanket much of the UK. A yellow wind warning covers the entire south coast, where gusts could hit 60mph. A broader yellow snow warning runs from 5pm Thursday to noon Friday for an area stretching from Northumberland to Wiltshire. Scotland is also under a snow and ice warning from 10pm Thursday.
The combination of 90mph+ winds, potential blizzards, and ice creates an exceptionally hazardous outlook. Authorities are urging the public, especially those in the red warning zone, to follow official advice, avoid travel if possible, and prepare for significant infrastructure disruption.
