The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings as Storm Goretti is expected to bring a 'multi-hazard' event to the UK, with forecasters predicting winds of up to 90mph and snowfall of up to 30cm in some areas.
An amber warning for heavy snow will come into effect from Thursday evening into Friday, covering parts of Wales, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire. The Met Office warned that rural communities could be cut off, and there is a risk of power cuts and disruption to mobile signals as well as delays or cancellations to trains and planes.
Another amber warning for 'very strong' winds has been issued for southwest England, including the Scilly Isles and parts of Cornwall, from 5pm to 11pm on Thursday. Gusts of 80-90mph are possible in exposed areas, posing a 'danger to life' from large waves and debris.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands. He noted that accumulations of 5-10cm are likely widely, with 15-25cm in some places, and up to 30cm locally.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended cold weather health alerts until Sunday. The RAC has urged drivers to consider whether journeys are necessary and to allow extra time, advising against using hot water to clear windscreens and recommending a scraper and de-icer instead.
