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Monday 23/02/2026

Storm Goretti Wreaks Havoc Across Cornwall with Ferocious Winds and Power Outages

Storm in Cornwall causing power outages and disruptions
Leila HassanLeila Hassan

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Storm Goretti has caused severe disruptions in Cornwall, with winds reaching up to 100mph, leading to power outages and transport suspensions.
  • Over 39,000 homes in Cornwall remain without power, and nearly 100 schools have closed early due to safety concerns.
  • Rail services in Cornwall and parts of England have been suspended or reduced, with Network Rail advising early travel.
  • The Isles of Scilly Council has urged residents to stay indoors as emergency services manage blocked roads and unstable structures.
  • The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind in Cornwall and a yellow warning for Devon and Cornwall, highlighting the risk of falling debris and large waves.

Cornwall is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Goretti, which has unleashed winds of up to 100mph, causing widespread power outages and significant disruptions to transport and daily life. The Met Office issued a red warning for wind, effective from 16:00 GMT to 23:00, cautioning residents about the dangers of falling debris and large waves.

Power Outages and School Closures

As of Thursday evening, more than 39,000 homes in Cornwall remain without power, according to the National Grid. The storm's impact prompted Cornwall Council to advise early closure of schools and colleges, with nearly 100 institutions heeding the warning. Residents have been urged to secure loose items and prepare for potential infrastructure damage, which could lead to further power cuts and mobile network disruptions.

Transport Disruptions

Rail services across Cornwall have been severely affected, with Network Rail suspending all trains in the region from 18:00 until Friday morning. Passengers have been advised to complete their journeys earlier in the day to avoid cancellations. Great Western Railway continues to operate on other routes, though severe weather may cause short-notice changes.

Emergency Services and Public Safety

The Isles of Scilly Council has requested residents to stay indoors unless travel is essential, as emergency services work to clear blocked roads and address unstable structures. The council emphasized the importance of allowing emergency teams the space to conduct urgent repairs safely. Meanwhile, Plymouth City Council has closed Mount Batten breakwater and deployed flood barriers in anticipation of high waves and flying debris.

Wider Impact Across the UK

The storm's effects extend beyond Cornwall, with rail networks in England, such as West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway, suspending services due to uncertain road conditions. Additionally, ferry operator DFDS reported delays on its Dover to France route, attributing the disruptions to strong winds in the Channel.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As Storm Goretti continues to batter the UK, the immediate focus remains on ensuring public safety and restoring essential services. The Met Office's warnings highlight the potential for ongoing disruptions, particularly in coastal areas vulnerable to high winds and large waves. Emergency services are likely to remain on high alert, prioritizing the clearance of debris and repair of damaged infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the storm's impact may prompt discussions on improving infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the face of extreme weather events. Experts may advocate for enhanced forecasting capabilities and community awareness programs to better equip regions like Cornwall for future storms. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, such measures could become increasingly vital in mitigating the effects of severe weather on communities across the UK.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: BBC Weather Watcher/Ian D
Additional article image
Image Source: Met Office