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Storm Goretti is set to hit the UK with heavy snowfall and dangerous winds from Thursday evening, prompting amber weather warnings across parts of the country. Up to 30cm of snow could fall in the Midlands, while wind gusts may reach 90mph in exposed coastal areas. The severe weather arrives just one day after icy road conditions caused two bus crashes involving schoolchildren.
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for snow and wind, signaling an increased likelihood of significant disruption. The amber snow warning covers parts of Wales, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire from Thursday 8pm until Friday 9am. An amber wind warning affects Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from Thursday 5pm to 11pm.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: «Storm Goretti is on its way, arriving later tomorrow and affecting us through tomorrow and into Friday, bringing some strong winds and some significant snow to central and perhaps southern parts.» The storm, named by Meteo France, is forecast to bring 5-10cm of snow widely across Wales and the Midlands, with some areas seeing 15-25cm and potentially up to 30cm.
Wind and Weather Threats
Wind gusts of 50-60mph are expected in south-western areas during Thursday afternoon and evening, rising to 60-70mph along exposed hills and coasts. In the most exposed places across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, gusts could reach 80-90mph.
Burkill explained: «As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us… and so on on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday,» The Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong described the event as a «multi-hazard event» combining heavy rain, strong winds, and snow.
Disruption Expected
The severe weather could cause delays or cancellations to trains and planes. Rural communities may become cut off, while power cuts and mobile signal disruption are anticipated. The snow accumulation is considered «enough to cause some severe disruption» according to Burkill.
Additional yellow warnings are in effect across large parts of the UK. Scotland faces a yellow snow and ice warning from Wednesday 10pm until Thursday midday, while Northern Ireland has a yellow ice warning from midnight until 10am Thursday. A yellow snow warning covers much of England and Wales from Thursday 5pm until Friday midday.
Recent Incidents
The storm warnings come one day after icy road conditions caused two separate bus incidents involving schoolchildren. In Wokingham, Berkshire, a collision between a bus and a school coach resulted in minor injuries to nine children, the coach driver, and eight adults from the bus. In Chilmington Green, Ashford, a school bus left the road and ended in a ditch, with Kent Police confirming «no reported injuries».
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold weather health alerts until January 11, warning of severe impacts expected across health and social care services, with a projected rise in deaths, particularly among individuals aged 65 and over or those with health conditions.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
