The UK government has activated its national Emergency Alert system for the first time in response to an exceptionally severe red weather warning issued by the Met Office. The alert targets residents in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as Storm Goretti bears down, bringing winds expected to exceed 100mph and posing a "danger to life".
Imminent Danger from Storm Goretti
The Met Office's most severe alert level came into force at 16:00 on Thursday, 8th January 2026, and will remain active until 23:00. Forecasters warn that the unprecedented gusts threaten to cause significant structural damage to buildings, bring down trees and power lines, and generate dangerous flying debris. The resulting disruption is expected to be severe, with widespread power cuts likely to affect other vital services, including mobile phone networks.
Emergency Alert System Activated
In a coordinated response, the Cabinet Office confirmed the dispatch of two separate emergency alerts to mobile phones in the affected regions. The first alert was sent to devices on the Isles of Scilly at approximately 15:00 hrs. A second, targeted alert for residents of Cornwall was scheduled for 17:00 hrs on the same day.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson stated: "The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe." Compatible phones will emit a loud, siren-like sound and vibrate for around 10 seconds, even if set to silent mode.
Government and Emergency Services Response
The UK Government has mobilised its well-rehearsed plans for severe winter weather. Officials are working closely with local authorities, emergency services, and other public bodies to coordinate the response to anticipated disruption. The public is urged to heed the warnings in the alerts, avoid unnecessary travel, and take immediate steps to secure property and ensure personal safety.
The issuance of a red weather warning is an extremely rare event, reserved for the most extreme and dangerous meteorological conditions where widespread damage and risk to life are anticipated.
