The United Kingdom is preparing for the arrival of Storm Goretti, with the Met Office issuing a series of serious amber weather warnings for heavy snow and damaging winds expected to cause significant disruption from Thursday.
Multi-Hazard Event Set to Strike
Meteorologists have labelled the incoming system a "multi-hazard event", forecasting a dangerous mix of heavy rain, powerful gales, and substantial snowfall. The storm, named by Meteo France, is predicted to sweep into the UK from the south-west on Thursday 8 January 2026.
Met Office expert Alex Burkill confirmed the nation should brace for "wet, windy and wintry weather" spreading across many regions. He explained that as the storm's rain pushes into the existing cold air, it will trigger "some fairly significant snow" on its northern edge from late Thursday into Friday.
Amber Warnings: Snow and Wind Threats
An amber warning for heavy snow is in force from 8pm Thursday until 9am Friday, covering parts of Wales, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire. The Met Office warns of widespread accumulations of 5-10cm in Wales and the Midlands, with 15-25cm likely in some spots and a potential for up to 30cm locally.
Concurrently, an amber wind warning has been issued for parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from 5pm to 11pm on Thursday. Forecasters warn that exposed places could endure severe gusts of 80-90mph, while wider southwestern areas may see winds of 50-70mph.
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong emphasised the severity, stating amber warnings indicate an "increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather", including potential risk to life and property.
Major Travel Disruption Expected
The impending conditions are expected to cause severe travel chaos nationwide. Key impacts include:
- Road closures, including the A628 Woodhead Pass from 8pm Thursday.
- Considerable delays on routes around Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham.
- Likely cancellations and delays to train and air travel.
- Rural communities potentially becoming cut off.
National Highways has activated its own amber alert for snow in the West and East Midlands, urging drivers to reconsider journeys. The agency warned of "particularly difficult driving conditions."
Further Yellow Warnings Nationwide
Beyond the amber alerts, a broader yellow snow warning covers much of England and Wales from Thursday afternoon until Friday midday. Additional yellow warnings are in place for:
- Snow and ice in Scotland (Wednesday night to Thursday midday).
- Ice in Northern Ireland (midnight to 10am Thursday).
- Wind in southwest England (Thursday afternoon to Friday morning).
- Rain in eastern England and west Wales.
The UK Health Security Agency has also extended amber cold weather health alerts until 11 January, anticipating severe impacts on health services and a rise in fatalities, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable.
With Storm Goretti poised to deliver a severe winter blast, authorities are urging the public to stay updated on forecasts and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary during the peak of the weather.
