The UK is grappling with the first major storm of 2026, as Storm Goretti unleashes a barrage of heavy snow and violent winds across the nation. Named by the French meteorological service Meteo-France, the storm has triggered a series of severe weather warnings, significant travel disruption, and widespread power outages.
Severe Weather Warnings and Impacts
The storm's fury peaked on Thursday, with a rare red wind warning issued for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly between 4pm and 11pm. Gusts reached a staggering 99mph, causing substantial damage. The extreme conditions knocked out power to more than 44,000 homes in south west England and forced Birmingham Airport to close a runway.
As of Friday morning, an amber "danger to life" warning for snow remains active until 9am, covering the Midlands, Yorkshire, and parts of Wales. The Met Office warns of widespread accumulations of 10 to 15cm, with 20 to 30cm possible on higher ground in Wales and the Peak District.
In addition, six separate yellow weather warnings for snow, ice, rain, and wind are in effect across the UK. A new yellow ice warning for all of Northern Ireland will be active from midnight until 11am on Friday.
Widespread Travel Chaos and School Closures
The storm has caused severe transport disruption nationwide. Hundreds of schools in northern Scotland are closed, with some rural areas completely cut off. Rail networks are experiencing major closures and reduced services.
Northern has issued a "Do Not Travel" warning for routes between Sheffield and Manchester, and to Glossop and Buxton, with lines closed from 6pm Thursday until Saturday morning. Transport for Wales has suspended services on six lines entirely, stating replacement buses are unavailable.
Major intercity operators, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, LNER, and Chiltern, are advising passengers to travel earlier in the day or have amended their timetables, with significant reductions from Thursday afternoon. South Western Railway has cancelled several long-distance services.
Extended Cold Health Alert
Compounding the crisis, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended an amber cold health alert for all of England until 12pm on Sunday. Officials warn of significant impacts on health and social care, including a potential rise in deaths among the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Dr Agostinho Sousa of the UKHSA urged the public to check on vulnerable neighbours, highlighting increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong described Storm Goretti as a "multi-hazard event", with the most severe snow impacts expected in Wales and the Midlands. The public is advised to stay updated on the latest warnings and avoid travel in affected areas.
