The United Kingdom is reeling from a severe battering by Storm Goretti, which has unleashed winds of up to 100mph and dumped as much as 30cm of snow across the nation. The powerful storm, arriving just days into the New Year, has triggered widespread power cuts, forced school closures, and caused major travel chaos that is expected to continue through the weekend.
Nationwide Warnings and Immediate Impacts
The Met Office has issued a full spectrum of weather warnings, including a rare red warning for "dangerous, stormy" winds in parts of South West England. Most of the country is under either amber or yellow alerts for snow, ice, rain, and wind. The immediate consequences have been severe, with tens of thousands of properties left without power and significant disruptions to road, rail, and air travel.
According to the National Grid, over 43,000 properties were without power in the South West alone by 6am on Friday, 9th January 2026. Schools across multiple regions have been forced to close, and the public has been warned of potential injuries and danger to life from flying debris and treacherous conditions.
Regional Breakdown: Where is Worst Hit?
South West England
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly bore the brunt of the storm's fury, with winds gusting to 99mph, prompting the rare red warning. A yellow wind warning remains in place, with gusts potentially reaching 40mph into Saturday. The Met Office warned of damage to buildings, further power cuts, and risk to life.
The Midlands and Wales
An amber snow warning covers a vast area including Birmingham, Derby, Wolverhampton, and parts of Eastern Wales. This region is facing some of the heaviest snowfalls, leading to extreme travel disruption. Both Birmingham and East Midlands Airports faced temporary closures and are advising passengers to expect ongoing delays. Rail operator Transport for Wales has suspended most of its services.
Northern England and Scotland
Yellow warnings for snow and ice are affecting areas from West Yorkshire up to County Durham and across much of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The public is urged to be cautious of icy patches on untreated surfaces. In Scotland, near-freezing temperatures mean fresh snow is likely to linger through the weekend, with more accumulation possible over higher ground.
Ongoing Travel Chaos and Further Outlook
The travel network remains in disarray. Rail passengers in the Birmingham area are advised not to travel until at least midday on Friday, with some lines possibly closed until Saturday. On the roads, untreated surfaces pose a severe risk of ice. The Met Office forecasts that the unsettled conditions, including showers and strong winds, will persist into Saturday, prolonging the misery for commuters and residents.
With Storm Goretti continuing to impact the UK, authorities are urging people to avoid non-essential travel, check for updates from transport providers and local councils, and prepare for the possibility of further power interruptions and hazardous conditions.
