Storm Goretti has brought dangerous winds and heavy snow to the UK, with gusts of up to 99mph recorded on Thursday. The storm, named by French meteorological service Meteo-France, has caused significant travel disruption and power outages affecting around 60,000 homes across England and Wales.
A red weather warning for wind was in place for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on Thursday evening, while an amber warning for snow covered the Midlands, Yorkshire, and parts of Wales until Friday morning. The amber 'danger to life' warning has now lifted, but three weather warnings remain in place until Saturday.
As of midday Friday, warnings for snow and ice cover much of Scotland, the North East, and the East Midlands, lasting until 3pm Saturday. An ice warning covers most of the West Midlands, Wales, and parts of the North West and South West, ending at midday Saturday. Northern Ireland is under a snow and ice warning until 11am Saturday.
A yellow warning for ice and snow has been issued for Sunday, covering much of Scotland, North East England, and parts of the North West, from 2am to 3pm. School closures and travel disruption are expected in affected areas.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for all of England until Monday, warning of significant impacts on health and social care services. Dr Agostinho Sousa urged people to check on vulnerable friends and family, as cold weather increases risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said Storm Goretti is a multi-hazard event, with snow accumulations of 5-10cm widely, 15-25cm in some places, and up to 30cm locally. Hundreds of schools remain closed, and rail passengers face line closures, including the Hope Valley line between Sheffield and Manchester.
