Storm Goretti has caused widespread disruption across the UK, with rail services suspended, flights cancelled, and schools closed. The Met Office has issued fresh yellow warnings for snow and ice covering much of Scotland and northern England, effective from Sunday 2am to 3pm. A separate ice warning applies to large parts of England and Wales from Friday midday to Saturday midday, while Northern Ireland faces snow and ice warnings from Friday 5pm to Saturday 11am.
In Cornwall, RNLI volunteers battled 'hurricane strength' winds to rescue people from boats, describing conditions as the worst they had ever seen. Falmouth RNLI responded to seven incidents on Thursday night. The storm also damaged the roof of the Cornish Pirates rugby stadium in Penzance, with large chunks torn off by strong winds.
National Grid reported restoring power to 169,380 properties across the south-west, Midlands, and south Wales by Friday noon, with extra engineers drafted in from other areas. However, disruption continued, with Cornwall Council advising residents to avoid travel due to fallen trees, downed power lines, and debris on roads.
The criminal justice system was also affected, with no remand prisoners transported to Birmingham Crown Court. An aborted sentencing hearing for a HMP Birmingham inmate convicted of attempted murder was told only six staff were on duty in the court's cell block due to road conditions.
In Scotland, several days of intense snowfall and sub-zero temperatures led to school closures and travel disruption. First Minister John Swinney said efforts are now focused on recovery. Meanwhile, many local authorities in England and Wales activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers. The Mayor of London activated SWEP on Friday, the second time this year.
Tragically, two people died while sleeping rough in Manchester during recent cold weather: Michael Heaton, 26, found dead on 30 December, and Anthony Horn, 47, discovered on 26 December. Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos urged the government to convene the emergency Cobra committee, stating the south-west is 'routinely overlooked' but cannot be ignored in this time of need.
