Storm Goretti has caused major travel disruption across the UK, with rail services suspended, flights cancelled and schools closed. The Met Office issued fresh yellow warnings for snow and ice covering large parts of Scotland, northern England, the Midlands and Yorkshire, in force from early Sunday until mid-afternoon. A separate ice warning covers much of England and Wales from Friday to Saturday, as partially thawed snow refreezes.
In Cornwall, RNLI volunteers faced “hurricane strength” winds to rescue people from boats, describing conditions as the worst they had seen. The government faced calls to convene the emergency Cobra committee, with Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos urging swift help for the south-west, which he said was “routinely overlooked”. National Grid reported restoring power to 169,380 properties across the south-west, Midlands and south Wales by Friday noon.
Road closures due to fallen trees and debris left many areas isolated, with Cornwall Council advising residents not to travel. The criminal justice system was also affected, with no remand prisoners transported to Birmingham Crown Court. The roof of Cornish Pirates rugby club in Penzance was damaged by the strong winds.
In Scotland, the north and north-east experienced “intense” snowfall, ice and sub-zero temperatures, leading to school closures and travel disruption. First Minister John Swinney said efforts were turning towards recovery. Meanwhile, many local authorities in England and Wales activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers, including in London where it was activated for the second time this year.
Tragically, two rough sleepers died in Manchester during the cold weather: Michael Heaton, 26, found on 30 December, and Anthony Horn, 47, discovered on 26 December. The deaths highlight the dangers faced by those sleeping rough in severe conditions.
