Britain faces severe disruption as Storm Goretti approaches from the southwest, bringing heavy snowfall, powerful winds and a potential risk to life across large areas of the country. Amber weather warnings have been issued for Thursday and Friday.
The Met Office warns that up to 30cm of snow could fall in parts of the Midlands, while wind gusts reaching 90mph may batter exposed coastal areas and hills.
What Warnings Are in Place
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heavy snow covering parts of Wales, the Midlands and South Yorkshire. The warning runs from 8pm Thursday to 9am Friday.
The affected area stretches from Sheffield in the north down to Leicester, across much of the West Midlands and into Wales. Amber warnings indicate an increased likelihood of severe weather impacts compared to yellow warnings.
An amber wind warning covers parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from 5pm to 11pm Thursday. Forecasters warn of 80-90mph gusts in exposed places.
Additional yellow warnings for snow, ice, wind and rain cover much of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland through Thursday and Friday.
How Much Snow to Expect
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said Storm Goretti, named by Mรฉtรฉo France, would bring “wet, windy and wintry weather” to parts of the UK.
“As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us, on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday,” Burkill said.
Snow accumulations of 5-10cm are likely across Wales and the Midlands. Some areas could see 15-25cm, with potential for up to 30cm in the hardest-hit locations.
Burkill noted that 20cm or more of snow “is enough to cause some severe disruption.”
Why This Storm Is Dangerous
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event” combining heavy rain, strong winds and snow.
Strong winds with gusts of 50-60mph will affect southwestern areas Thursday afternoon and evening. Exposed hills and coasts could see gusts of 60-70mph.
The combination of weather hazards creates risks including travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and potential danger to life and property.
National Highways issued its own amber warning for snow in the West and East Midlands, lasting from 6pm Thursday until 9am Friday.
“Routes particularly around Birmingham across to Leicester and Nottingham will see particularly difficult driving conditions and consideration of the weather forecast should be taken before commencing journeys, with considerable delays possible,” the agency said in a statement.
What Travel Disruptions to Expect
The heavy snowfall could delay or cancel rail services and flights. Rural communities may become cut off. Power cuts and disruption to mobile phone services are likely.
The A628 Woodhead Pass will close both ways between the A616 at Flouch and the A57 at Hollingworth from 8pm Thursday due to severe weather.
Drivers are advised to check road conditions before traveling and consider whether their journey is necessary.
Health Warnings Issued
The UK Health Security Agency has put amber cold weather health alerts in place until January 11. Officials expect severe impacts across health and social care services.
The agency anticipates a rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over or those with health conditions. Younger age groups may also be affected.
Where Storm Will Hit
Thursday will start cloudy and cold with wintry weather as Storm Goretti moves in from the southwest. The storm will push northward, bringing snow where rain meets cold air.
Yellow warnings cover a large part of England and much of Wales from 5pm Thursday until midday Friday. A yellow rain warning affects eastern England from 6pm Thursday to 9pm Friday and west Wales from midday Thursday to 10am Friday.
Scotland faces a yellow warning for snow and ice from 10pm Wednesday until midday Thursday. Northern Ireland has a yellow ice warning from midnight until 10am Thursday.
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