LONDON, United Kingdom
A powerful winter storm has swept across the United Kingdom, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy snowfall, and widespread disruption, as Storm Goretti left millions facing dangerous conditions and significant travel chaos.
The Met Office confirmed wind gusts of up to 99 miles per hour, among the strongest recorded this winter, as the storm made landfall. The most severe conditions were reported in south-west England, coastal regions, and exposed areas, prompting the issuance of rare red weather warnings for wind, alongside amber and yellow alerts for snow, ice, and rain across much of the country.
Authorities warned that the combination of extreme winds and heavy snow created life-threatening conditions, urging the public to stay indoors unless travel was absolutely necessary. Emergency alerts were pushed directly to mobile phones, even those set to silent, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Transport networks were among the hardest hit. Rail operators suspended or curtailed services across large parts of England, Wales, and Scotland after fallen trees, debris, and drifting snow blocked tracks. Major airports, including Heathrow, reported dozens of flight cancellations and delays, as strong crosswinds and icy runways made operations unsafe. Motorists faced widespread road closures, particularly in rural and coastal areas, where conditions deteriorated rapidly.
Heavy snowfall compounded the impact of the storm. Parts of Wales, the Midlands, and northern England saw snow accumulations ranging from 10 to 30 centimetres, while temperatures plunged well below freezing overnight. In some areas, the mercury dropped to minus 13 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of ice and making recovery efforts more difficult.
Power infrastructure also suffered extensive damage. At the height of the storm, tens of thousands of homes and businesses were left without electricity, particularly in south-west England and parts of Wales. Utility companies deployed emergency repair crews, but officials cautioned that restoration work could take time due to continued hazardous conditions and blocked access routes.
Schools across multiple regions were closed as local authorities assessed safety risks, while emergency services responded to hundreds of call-outs involving fallen trees, damaged buildings, and stranded drivers. Councils activated severe weather response plans, opening warming centres for vulnerable residents and coordinating with health services to manage the increased risk posed by cold exposure.
Meteorologists described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event”, noting that its impact was driven not by a single factor but by the dangerous interaction of wind, snow, rain, and rapidly falling temperatures. Experts say this combination makes such storms particularly disruptive and difficult to manage.
The storm’s strength has drawn comparisons with previous major UK weather events, including Storm Eunice and Storm Ciarán, though forecasters emphasized that Goretti’s rapid intensification and widespread snowfall set it apart. The 99-mph wind gust recorded at the Isles of Scilly was among the most extreme measurements seen there, highlighting the storm’s exceptional force.
While the worst of the winds have begun to ease in some southern areas, the Met Office warned that hazardous conditions are far from over. Snow and ice warnings remain in place for northern regions, and there is growing concern about localized flooding as snow melts and combines with additional rainfall. Officials are urging caution on untreated roads and pavements, where black ice poses a serious risk.
Storm Goretti has also affected parts of northern and western Europe, with reports of power outages and transport disruption in France and neighbouring countries, underlining the storm’s broad reach.
As recovery efforts continue, authorities are reminding the public to stay informed through official weather updates and to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. The storm has once again highlighted the UK’s growing exposure to extreme weather events and the challenges they pose to infrastructure, emergency services, and daily life.
For now, forecasters say calmer conditions are expected to return gradually, but winter hazards remain firmly in place, and the impact of Storm Goretti will be felt for days to come.
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