Storm Goretti has caused widespread disruption across the UK, leaving thousands of homes without power and bringing travel chaos. The storm brought winds of nearly 100mph, with a rare red warning issued for the South West. As of Friday evening, more than 38,000 properties in the South West were without power, along with 5,000 in the West Midlands, over 1,000 in the East Midlands, and around 120 in Wales.
Downing Street confirmed that support is being offered to affected homes, with a spokesperson stating that around 0.21% of British customers were without power. Engineers are working to restore connections, with approximately 150,000 customers having had their power restored so far. The storm caused significant damage, including over 80 trees brought down on the tidal island of St Michael's Mount near Cornwall. Head gardener Darren Little described the damage as 10 times worse than any previous storm in decades, with winds of 111mph recorded before a power cut.
The Met Office reported that Storm Goretti continues to cause problems with a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow. Snow accumulations of 15cm were recorded at Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, 7cm at Preston Montford in Shropshire, and 7cm in Nottingham. In Scotland, notable snow depths included 27cm at Altnaharra in Sutherland and 26cm at Loch Glascarnoch. The lowest temperature was minus 13.3C at Braemar, Aberdeenshire, while a peak gust of 99mph was reported on the Isles of Scilly, the highest since 1991.
Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost said the storm caused major disruption to roads, coastal areas, and local infrastructure. Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos urged the Government to convene the emergency Cobra committee, stating that the South West is routinely overlooked. Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington warned of more snow on Sunday, with a yellow warning for snow and ice in place for much of Scotland from 2am to 3pm. He said an additional 2-5cm of snow could accumulate at low levels, with 10-20cm possible over higher ground, leading to ongoing disruption.
