The United Kingdom is bracing for its first major snowfall of the year as Storm Goretti, the first named storm of 2026, evolves into a 'weather bomb'. The Met Office has issued red and amber weather warnings across the country, with up to 30cm of snow expected in Wales and the Midlands, and winds of up to 100mph in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The storm, described as a 'multi-hazard event', is expected to be more powerful than Storm Ciarán in 2023 and the Great Storm of 1987. Winds of 99mph were recorded at St Mary's airport on the Isles of Scilly, a new record for the site. A storm becomes a weather bomb when its central pressure drops by more than 24 millibars in 24 hours; Goretti is expected to drop by 36 millibars.
Birmingham Airport suspended its runway due to heavy snow on Thursday night. The worst of the weather will hit overnight before the storm wanes on Friday. The Met Office's Alex Burkill warned of 'fairly significant snow' as rain pushes against cold air. A rare red warning for dangerous winds has been issued for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with emergency alerts sent to mobile phones.
More than 47,000 properties were without power in the south-west by 9pm, with thousands more affected in the West Midlands and Wales. National Grid has advised keeping torches and charged phones ready. Rail services are cancelled across Wales, Cornwall and north-west England, and Eurostar routes may face delays. Major airports are functioning normally except Jersey and Guernsey, which will close at 6pm.
Amber cold weather health alerts are in place until 11 January, with officials expecting a rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with health conditions. Scotland is focusing on recovery after days of heavy weather. The public is advised to check travel updates and prepare for potential disruptions.
