Heavy snow driven by Storm Goretti is expected to hit central and southern England later this week, with the Met Office warning of up to eight inches of snowfall. The storm, named by Météo-France, is anticipated to bring strong winds and wintry weather from France on Thursday, raising fears of travel disruption and power cuts.
An amber warning for snow has been issued for the Midlands, in effect from 8pm Thursday to 9am Friday. According to the Met Office’s weather tracker, snow is likely to develop over higher ground in south Wales before spreading more widely across England and Wales overnight. London and the southwest may escape the heaviest snowfall, with any flurries turning to rain later on Thursday.
Travel operators have urged passengers to check conditions and amend plans. LNER has advised against travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen until at least Friday, while ScotRail cancelled services on several routes. The RAC has reminded motorists to allow extra time, clear vehicles of snow and ice, and avoid using hot water on frozen windscreens.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended amber cold health alerts for England until Sunday, warning that adverse temperatures could affect health and wellbeing. Ice warnings remain in place across much of the UK on Wednesday, with slippery surfaces posing a risk on untreated roads and pavements.
