The Met Office took the extraordinary step of issuing a rare red weather warning for wind as Storm Goretti unleashed chaos across the southwest of the UK. The alert, covering Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on the evening of January 8, 2026, warned of "dangerous, stormy" gales reaching up to 100mph and an immediate risk to life from flying debris.
Record-Breaking Winds and Widespread Disruption
Instrumental readings confirmed the storm's ferocious power, with wind speeds of 99mph recorded on the Isles of Scilly. Even more staggering was a gust of 123mph reported at Stepper Point, near Padstow, by The National Coastwatch Institution. In the aftermath, Cornwall Council urged residents to avoid travel on the morning of January 9, citing a large number of roads blocked by fallen trees, downed power lines, and storm debris.
"Our teams are working around the clock to clear them, and we ask that you give crews the space they need to carry out urgent repairs safely," a council statement read. The storm's impact was severe, with over 25 schools across Cornwall forced to remain closed, and at least 80 others opening late due to power failures or inaccessible routes.
'I've Never Seen Anything Like It': A Resident's Tale
Among those caught in the tempest was social media influencer Perrin Hooper, 24, who shared their experience with nearly 400,000 followers. Filming from their home in Cornwall, Hooper described a scene of devastation with no power and trees down everywhere. "The storm last night was wild. I've never seen anything like it," they said, acknowledging the reported 123mph winds nearby.
Hooper confessed to a brief, reckless moment of curiosity, venturing onto their enclosed balcony for about a minute to feel the storm's force. "I did go and stand out in it... I was safe, don't worry. But then I went back in because I thought it was probably a really bad idea," they admitted, adding they were worried their door would be ripped off. They did, however, praise the efforts to restore power quickly for many areas.
Community Response and Ongoing Recovery
The shared experience resonated online, with other locals responding to Hooper's video. One viewer commented, "it was crazy! Lucky we've got power," while another wrote, "Felt like my roof was about to blow off." A third simply expressed relief: "I am here too, glad you're safe."
As clean-up operations continue, the focus remains on clearing highways, restoring utilities, and assessing the full extent of the damage caused by one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in recent years. The event underscores the severe impact that such extreme weather events can have on local infrastructure and community life.
