The Met Office has activated a series of new weather alerts as the UK braces for the impact of Storm Goretti, the first named storm of 2026. Forecasters warn of significant disruption from heavy snow and hazardous ice, with yellow warnings covering vast swathes of the country.
Widespread Ice and Snow Alerts
A yellow warning for ice is currently in force for most of England, Scotland, and Wales. This alert is valid from midnight until 10am on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. Northern Ireland faced a similar warning beginning on Tuesday evening. In a separate development, the Met Office has also issued a yellow snow and ice warning for much of northern Scotland, active from Tuesday midnight until late Wednesday.
Further Snow Expected Later This Week
The disruptive weather is set to continue as the week progresses. A further yellow warning for snow has been issued for large parts of England and Wales. This alert will be active from Thursday evening until midday on Friday, 9 January. Storm Goretti is predicted to be the driving force behind these conditions, bringing periods of heavy snow that are likely to lead to difficult travel and potential delays on roads and railways.
Preparing for Disruption
With multiple warnings in place, the public is advised to prepare for challenging conditions. The key impacts highlighted by the Met Office include:
- Dangerous travelling conditions due to icy patches on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths.
- Potential for injuries from slips and falls on slippery surfaces.
- Disruption from snow later in the week, affecting road and possibly rail travel.
Residents across the affected regions should stay updated with the latest Met Office forecast and travel advice before embarking on journeys. The naming of Storm Goretti follows the established protocol for systems expected to cause medium or high impacts in the UK or Ireland.
