Storm Goretti, the first named storm of 2026, has evolved into a 'weather bomb' bringing red and amber warnings across the UK. The Met Office described it as a 'multi-hazard event' expected to be more powerful than Storm Ciarán in 2023 and the Great Storm of 1987. Up to 30cm of snow is forecast in Wales and the Midlands, with winds of up to 100mph in exposed coastal areas.
A rare red warning for 'dangerous, stormy' winds has been issued for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where gusts of 99mph were recorded at St Mary's airport, a new record for the site. An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones in these areas. The storm caused widespread power cuts, with over 47,000 properties without power in the south-west, 5,000 in the West Midlands, and 2,000 in Wales.
Amber snow warnings cover much of England and Wales, including Sheffield, Leicester, and the West Midlands, from 8pm Thursday to 9am Friday. Birmingham Airport suspended its runway due to heavy snow. National Highways issued an amber snow warning for the Midlands, advising difficult driving conditions in Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham. Rail services were cancelled across Wales, Cornwall, and north-west England, and Eurostar routes faced delays.
A storm becomes a 'weather bomb' when its central pressure drops by over 24 millibars in 24 hours. Goretti was expected to drop by 36 millibars between 6pm Wednesday and 6pm Thursday. The Met Office warned of damage to buildings, power lines, and coastal areas from large waves. Amber cold weather health alerts are in place until 11 January, with officials expecting a rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable.
National Grid advised keeping torches and charged phones ready for power cuts. Dŵr Cymru and Scottish Water urged customers to protect exposed pipes rather than running taps. Major airports except Jersey and Guernsey continued normal operations. The worst weather was expected overnight before the storm wanes on Friday.
