Britain is under siege from ferocious winds as Storm Goretti makes landfall, with live webcam footage capturing the terrifying force of gusts predicted to reach 100mph. The Met Office has taken the drastic step of issuing a rare red weather warning for wind, signalling a potential 'danger to life' from flying debris.
Rare Red Warning and Urgent Government Alerts
The national forecaster activated the severe alert for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from 4pm until 11pm on Thursday, 8 January 2026. In response, the Cabinet Office triggered the government's Emergency Alert system, sending loud, siren-like warnings to every compatible mobile phone in the threatened regions.
A Cabinet Office spokesman confirmed the unprecedented move, stating: "The first was sent at approximately 3pm on Thursday January 8 to people in the Isles of Scilly. The second will be sent at approximately 5pm on Thursday January 8 to people in Cornwall." This marks only the fifth time the life-saving alert system has been deployed in this manner.
Exceptional Winds and Widespread Disruption
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong detailed the severe threat, explaining that Storm Goretti—named by French agency Meteo France after hitting northwest France—would bring "exceptionally strong gusts" that could exceed 100mph. "Winds are expected to increase rapidly with violent gusts that may persist for 2-3 hours before easing," he warned.
This is not just a coastal event. The storm is creating a multi-hazard situation across the UK. As Goretti's northern edge interacts with colder air, heavy snow is forecast for Wales, the Midlands, and northern England overnight into Friday morning. Accumulations of 10-15cm are expected widely, with 20-30cm possible on higher ground in Wales and the Peak District, where roads have already been blocked.
Public Urged to Take Immediate Precautions
With amber warnings for snow and ice complementing the critical red warning for wind, authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution. The Met Office alert explicitly warns of structural damage, uprooted trees, power cuts, and the high risk from airborne debris.
Neil Armstrong advised: "This is a complex spell of severe weather and I’d advise people in the warning areas to keep up to date with the forecast and messages from local authorities." Live feeds from the south coast show enormous waves crashing ashore, a visible testament to the storm's power.
Residents in the red warning zone are being told to stay indoors away from windows and avoid non-essential travel. The combination of hurricane-force winds and subsequent wintry hazards promises significant disruption nationwide as the UK endures one of the most severe weather events of the season.
