The United Kingdom is preparing for a renewed onslaught of severe winter weather this weekend, after the Met Office escalated a snow and ice warning to a serious amber alert. Forecasters warn that some regions could be buried under up to a foot of fresh snowfall as Storm Goretti continues to wreak havoc across the nation.
Amber Alert: Severe Disruption and Danger
The critical amber warning comes into force from 3am on Sunday and stretches from the North East of Scotland into Tayside and Central Scotland, remaining active until 2pm. Meteorologists have issued stark warnings of severe travel disruption, potential power cuts, and a risk to life and property as bitterly cold conditions grip the country for a second consecutive weekend.
Across the rest of the UK, a series of yellow warnings for snow, wind, and rain remain in place, prompting National Rail to alert passengers to expected disruptions across England, Wales, and Scotland. In response to the deteriorating situation, Scottish government officials, police, and local authorities convened an emergency meeting on Saturday to coordinate their response.
Widespread Impact: From Power Cuts to Perilous Parking
The forecast predicts a further 2–5cm of snow at low levels, with up to 30cm possible on higher ground. Transport Scotland has warned of 'challenging conditions', possible route closures, and the ongoing threat of power cuts. The fallout is already being felt, with around 28,000 properties without power in the South West at 6am on Saturday, alongside nearly 1,700 in the West Midlands and 150 in the East Midlands. While power has been restored to all homes in Wales, Downing Street confirmed support is being offered to affected households.
Beyond the immediate weather, authorities have condemned reckless behaviour from some members of the public. North Wales Police criticised Instagram-loving tourists for 'ridiculous parking' on snow-covered roads in Snowdonia, stating abandoned vehicles were putting others at risk of serious injury. Despite an avalanche warning from the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, brazen hikers were still pictured attempting to climb Snowdon.
Storm Goretti's Deadly Legacy and Ongoing Threats
The extreme conditions follow the devastation already caused by Storm Goretti. One man in his 50s died in Cornwall after a tree fell onto his caravan amid hurricane-force winds on Thursday night. The storm has since lashed Cornwall with gusts of up to 100mph.
Looking ahead, forecasters warn that a dangerous mix of melting snow and heavy rain could significantly increase flood risks in the coming days. Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud stated the weekend will remain 'unsettled and cold', with wintry showers, coastal gales, and the potential for severe gales in the north west. While conditions are expected to turn milder next week, the immediate focus remains on navigating the severe winter blast.
Recorded snowfall totals from the current spell include 27cm at Altnaharra in Sutherland, 15cm at Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, and 7cm at Nottingham. The heaviest rainfall was logged in Cornwall, with 61.8mm at Colliford Dam.
