Cornwall Council has issued urgent safety advice as Storm Goretti batters parts of the United Kingdom, bringing with it blizzards and destructive winds. The severe weather system, described by meteorologists as a 'weather bomb', prompted the Met Office to issue amber weather warnings for Friday, 9 January 2026.
Council Responds to Widespread Incidents
The local authority for Cornwall is currently dealing with a high volume of incidents caused by the storm's ferocity. Teams are responding to reports of fallen trees, unsafe structures, and downed power lines across the region. In response, the council has made a direct appeal to the public to facilitate the work of emergency and highways crews.
Residents are strongly advised to work from home on Friday morning if at all possible and to avoid any travel that is not absolutely essential. The conditions on roads are considered highly dangerous due to a combination of heavy snow accumulations and exceptionally strong gusts.
Travel Disruption and School Closures
The council's guidance is clear: only undertake journeys if they are “absolutely necessary.” This plea is designed to keep roads clear for critical repair work and to ensure the safety of the public. Parents and carers have been specifically instructed to check the operational status of schools or other education settings before attempting to leave home with children.
Forecasters predict that Storm Goretti could deposit up to 30 centimetres of snow in some areas, accompanied by wind speeds potentially reaching 90 miles per hour. These conditions are expected to cause significant disruption to transport networks and daily life throughout the affected regions.
Nationwide Impact and Ongoing Warnings
While Cornwall is actively managing the situation, the storm's impact is being felt more widely across the UK. Yellow weather warnings remain in force beyond the amber alert zones, indicating a broader threat from the severe conditions. Reports indicate that wind speeds have already been recorded at nearly 100 mph in exposed coastal locations.
The overarching message from authorities is for people to stay informed, stay indoors where safe to do so, and prioritise their safety until Storm Goretti has passed. Monitoring official updates from the Met Office and local councils is recommended for the latest information.
