Storm Goretti has caused widespread chaos across the UK, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy snow, and significant travel disruption. The Met Office issued a rare red 'danger to life' warning as winds of up to 100mph hit the South West and snow blanketed Scotland, the Midlands, and Wales.
A peak gust of 99mph was recorded at St Marys on the Isles of Scilly, the highest since 1991, while a weather station in Cornwall reported hurricane-force gales of 123mph. Nearly 150,000 households lost power, with 37,000 still without electricity in the South West by Friday evening.
Travel chaos ensued, with at least 69 flights cancelled at Heathrow, affecting over 9,000 passengers. East Midlands and Birmingham airports reopened after snow closures. Key roads were shut in Cornwall, northern England, and Scotland due to snow, ice, and fallen trees. Around 250 schools, mostly in Scotland, remained closed on Friday.
National Rail warned of disruptions across England, Wales, and Scotland until the end of Friday. Snow accumulations reached 27cm in Sutherland and 26cm at Loch Glascarnoch. A yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place for much of Scotland until Sunday, with further snowfall expected.
The Met Office's chief forecaster, Steve Willington, warned of additional snow on Sunday, with 2-5cm at low levels and 10-20cm over higher ground. Flood risks are also heightened due to melting snow and rain. Yellow weather warnings cover most of the UK until Saturday.
