The UK is in the grip of a severe and dangerous storm, with Storm Goretti unleashing a so-called 'weather bomb' of snow, ice, torrential rain and winds of up to 100mph. The storm, named by Meteo France, arrived from the south-west on Thursday, 8 January 2026, prompting the Met Office to issue a series of urgent alerts.
Red and Amber Warnings Issued Nationwide
Authorities have escalated warnings due to the extreme conditions. An amber weather warning for a 'multi-hazard' event covers large swathes of Britain. Most critically, a red 'danger to life' warning has been activated for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
In these red warning areas, hundreds of thousands of residents received emergency alerts on their mobile phones, urging them to stay indoors for their own safety. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued amber cold weather health alerts, valid until 11 January, warning of severe impacts on health services and an anticipated increase in deaths, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable.
Forecast: Significant Snow and Arctic Winds
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill warned that Storm Goretti is delivering "wet, windy and wintry weather" across the country. He explained that the system is bringing "some strong winds and some significant snow to central and perhaps southern parts."
The interaction between the storm's rain and the existing cold air mass is set to produce heavy snowfall. Parts of the Midlands could see accumulations of up to 30cm in the coming hours. Key timelines from weather maps show:
- 6pm, 8 Jan: The storm covering most of England and Wales.
- 9pm, 8 Jan: Heavy snowfall across Wales and the Midlands, with cities like Birmingham potentially seeing over two inches per hour.
- Midnight: A barrage of heavy rain hitting London, Essex, and Kent.
- Early Friday, 9 Jan: Arctic conditions reaching Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.
The storm is expected to be slow-moving, with effects still being felt in parts of the country by noon on Friday, followed by isolated snow showers in Lancashire, the northeast, and Suffolk as it clears towards the continent.
Public Urged to Take Extreme Caution
The combination of hazards presents a major threat to travel, infrastructure, and public safety. Avalanche alerts have been triggered in some areas due to the heavy snow. The public is strongly advised to:
- Heed all official warnings and emergency alerts.
- Avoid travel in red and amber warning areas.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours, especially those aged 65 and over or with existing health conditions.
- Stay updated with the latest forecasts from the Met Office.
With Storm Goretti set to linger, the disruptive and potentially life-threatening weather is likely to continue through Friday, 9 January 2026, requiring ongoing vigilance across the nation.
