The Met Office has issued a sweeping series of severe weather warnings as Storm Goretti sweeps across the United Kingdom, threatening up to 30 centimetres of snow in some regions and winds reaching 90 miles per hour in others. Forecasters are warning of potential injuries and danger to life, with significant disruption expected to transport and power networks.
Nationwide Warnings and Predicted Impacts
On Thursday, 8 January 2026, yellow warnings for snow cover vast areas including East Anglia, the Midlands, the North, the South West, and almost all of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A more severe amber snow warning is in force for central Wales, the Midlands, and parts of the North.
Within these amber zones, the Met Office predicts up to 30cm of snow could settle, a depth considered enough to cause severe disruption. Meteorologists warn that drivers risk becoming stranded, while rail and air travel will likely face widespread cancellations and delays. Rural communities may be cut off entirely, with probable power cuts and potential disruption to mobile phone services.
Coastal Danger from Extreme Winds
A separate amber wind warning has been issued for Cornwall, where gusts could peak at 90mph. The forecaster has issued a stark warning that flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life. Buildings may be damaged, and large waves pose an additional threat to life along coastal roads and seafronts.
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Neil Armstrong, described Storm Goretti as a "multi-hazard event" combining heavy rain, strong winds, and snow. His colleague, meteorologist Alex Burkill, stated, "We are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday."
Ongoing Disruption in Scotland
The storm compounds existing severe conditions in Scotland, where many schools remain closed for a fourth consecutive day. Over 150 schools in Aberdeenshire, dozens in the Highlands, and several in Moray and Orkney are shut as communities continue to recover from days of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.
On Tuesday, Aberdeenshire Council declared a major incident, warning of possible power cuts and a "good chance" that some rural areas would be isolated. In the village of Insch, Aberdeenshire, which has seen around 30cm of snow, residents described it as one of the worst winters in 25 years. Local Doug Griffin remarked, "There has been nothing like this since 2010, it is quite remarkable. It makes it really difficult to do anything."
The public is urged to check the latest Met Office forecasts and travel advice, and to heed official warnings during this period of dangerous weather.
