Storm Goretti Causes Widespread Disruption Across the UK
Published 8 January 2026
Highlights
- Storm Goretti has caused widespread power outages, affecting tens of thousands of homes, particularly in the south-west of England.
- The Met Office issued a rare red warning for dangerous winds, with gusts reaching up to 99mph in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
- Heavy snowfall has led to school closures and travel disruptions across the Midlands, Wales, and parts of Scotland.
- Ferry services between Dover and France have been delayed due to strong winds in the Channel.
- The storm is expected to ease by Friday afternoon, but yellow warnings for snow, rain, and wind remain in place across the UK.
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Rewritten Article
Storm Goretti Causes Widespread Disruption Across the UK
Storm Goretti has left a trail of chaos across the UK, with tens of thousands of homes experiencing power outages, significant travel disruptions, and numerous school closures. The storm, characterized by its fierce winds and heavy snowfall, prompted the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for the south-west of England, where wind speeds reached up to 99mph.
Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
The National Grid reported that over 43,000 properties in the south-west were without power as of Friday morning, with additional outages affecting the West Midlands, Wales, and the East Midlands. Steven Joseph, National Grid’s south-west operations director, described the storm as unprecedented, with crews working tirelessly to restore electricity. In Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and other affected areas, fallen trees and debris have complicated repair efforts.
Travel has been severely impacted, with ferry services between Dover and France experiencing delays due to strong winds in the Channel. DFDS, a ferry operator, advised passengers to check-in as normal, promising to transfer them onto the first available sailing. Meanwhile, rail services across the Midlands and Wales have been disrupted, with emergency speed restrictions and cancellations in place.
School Closures and Weather Warnings
The storm's heavy snowfall has led to the closure of hundreds of schools, particularly in Wales and the Midlands. An amber weather warning for snow remains in effect, with accumulations of up to 30cm reported in some areas. In Scotland, many schools have remained closed for a fifth consecutive day due to ongoing wintry conditions.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow, rain, wind, and ice across the UK, advising residents to remain cautious. Despite the challenging conditions, the storm is expected to ease by Friday afternoon, with milder weather anticipated over the weekend.
Community Impact and Response
In the face of such severe weather, communities have shown resilience and adaptability. In Warwickshire, Liam Brown, a narrowboat resident, shared his experience of being stranded on a frozen canal, expressing gratitude for the supportive community around him. Local authorities have been proactive, deploying gritters and snow ploughs to keep key routes open and ensure public safety.
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Scenario Analysis
As Storm Goretti subsides, the focus will shift to recovery and restoration efforts. Power companies will continue to work on restoring electricity to affected areas, while transport services aim to resume normal operations. The storm has highlighted the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events, prompting discussions on infrastructure improvements and emergency response strategies.
Looking ahead, meteorologists will closely monitor weather patterns to provide timely warnings and minimize future disruptions. The UK's experience with Storm Goretti underscores the need for ongoing investment in climate resilience and adaptation measures to better withstand the impacts of severe weather.
Storm Goretti has left a trail of chaos across the UK, with tens of thousands of homes experiencing power outages, significant travel disruptions, and numerous school closures. The storm, characterized by its fierce winds and heavy snowfall, prompted the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for the south-west of England, where wind speeds reached up to 99mph.
Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
The National Grid reported that over 43,000 properties in the south-west were without power as of Friday morning, with additional outages affecting the West Midlands, Wales, and the East Midlands. Steven Joseph, National Grid’s south-west operations director, described the storm as unprecedented, with crews working tirelessly to restore electricity. In Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and other affected areas, fallen trees and debris have complicated repair efforts.
Travel has been severely impacted, with ferry services between Dover and France experiencing delays due to strong winds in the Channel. DFDS, a ferry operator, advised passengers to check-in as normal, promising to transfer them onto the first available sailing. Meanwhile, rail services across the Midlands and Wales have been disrupted, with emergency speed restrictions and cancellations in place.
School Closures and Weather Warnings
The storm's heavy snowfall has led to the closure of hundreds of schools, particularly in Wales and the Midlands. An amber weather warning for snow remains in effect, with accumulations of up to 30cm reported in some areas. In Scotland, many schools have remained closed for a fifth consecutive day due to ongoing wintry conditions.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow, rain, wind, and ice across the UK, advising residents to remain cautious. Despite the challenging conditions, the storm is expected to ease by Friday afternoon, with milder weather anticipated over the weekend.
Community Impact and Response
In the face of such severe weather, communities have shown resilience and adaptability. In Warwickshire, Liam Brown, a narrowboat resident, shared his experience of being stranded on a frozen canal, expressing gratitude for the supportive community around him. Local authorities have been proactive, deploying gritters and snow ploughs to keep key routes open and ensure public safety.
What this might mean
As Storm Goretti subsides, the focus will shift to recovery and restoration efforts. Power companies will continue to work on restoring electricity to affected areas, while transport services aim to resume normal operations. The storm has highlighted the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events, prompting discussions on infrastructure improvements and emergency response strategies.
Looking ahead, meteorologists will closely monitor weather patterns to provide timely warnings and minimize future disruptions. The UK's experience with Storm Goretti underscores the need for ongoing investment in climate resilience and adaptation measures to better withstand the impacts of severe weather.
