Storm Goretti (UK): What You Need to Know About the Severe Weather Event
Storm Goretti is one of the first major named storms to affect the United Kingdom in early 2026, bringing a dangerous combination of heavy snow, strong winds, rain, and icy conditions. The storm has prompted widespread weather warnings from the Met Office, travel disruption, and concerns about public safety across much of the country.
The name Goretti comes from the French meteorological system, which assigns names to significant weather systems expected to impact northwest Europe. When storms like this reach the UK, they are monitored closely by the UK’s Met Office because of their potential to cause serious disruption and hazards to life and infrastructure.
How the Storm Was Forecast & Weather Warnings
As Storm Goretti approached, the Met Office issued a mix of amber and yellow weather warnings for snow, wind, ice, and rain across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. An amber warning is the second highest level and signals a significant risk of severe weather impacts such as travel disruption, power cuts, and danger to life.
The storm was expected to arrive from the south-west on Thursday, with its most serious impacts forecast from Thursday evening into Friday morning. The warnings were tailored to reflect different hazards in different regions, meaning some areas faced heavy snow while others were more at risk from high winds or icy roads.
Snowfall and Ice: Widespread Wintry Weather
One of the major features of Storm Goretti was the snowfall forecast across central and northern parts of the UK. According to the Met Office, significant snow was expected in parts of Wales and the Midlands, with wider snow accumulations of 5–10 centimetres, and locally heavier deposits of 15–25 cm or more, particularly on higher ground.
In many places, this translated to travel disruptions, hazardous road conditions on untreated surfaces, and the closure of schools and businesses unable to operate safely. The cold conditions also raised concerns about ice forming on pavements and vehicle routes, especially overnight, further complicating journeys and daily routines.
Strong Winds and Coastal Risk
Alongside snow, strong winds were forecast to accompany Storm Goretti, particularly across parts of south-west England and coastal zones. Gusts of 50–60 mph were expected widely, with exposed areas like Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly potentially seeing gusts of 80–90 mph.
These powerful winds bring the risk of flying debris, damage to structures, coastal damage from large waves, and dangerous conditions near exposed shorelines. The combination of wind and heavy precipitation can also cause widespread power outages when power lines are affected by falling trees or debris during peak gusts.
Impact on Travel and Infrastructure
Storm Goretti’s arrival caused significant travel disruption across the UK, affecting road, rail, and air transport. Heavy snow made many roads treacherous, resulting in delays and collisions, and causing schools and schools buses to face accidents on icy surfaces.
Rail services faced cancellations or significant delays in areas hit hardest by snowfall, and flights were disrupted both within the UK and for connections abroad, particularly to parts of Europe experiencing similar winter weather. Rural communities, already dealing with deep snow, risked being temporarily cut off from essential services.
Safety and Public Health Concerns
In addition to transport disruption, Storm Goretti raised public safety and health concerns. The UK Health Security Agency issued amber cold weather health alerts, warning that cold, icy conditions can pose serious risks, especially for older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
Slips and falls on ice led to an increase in hospital visits for injuries across several regions, and emergency services encouraged people to limit unnecessary travel, wear appropriate footwear, and prepare homes for the cold. The intense cold combined with snow and wind chill added strain to health and social care services.
Local Response and Preparedness
Local councils, emergency responders, and transport authorities worked to prepare for and respond to the storm. Efforts included gritting key roads and urban centres, posting warnings about hazardous conditions, and coordinating with transport operators to adjust services safely.
However, some areas experienced criticism for limited grit supplies or delays in treatment of minor roads and footpaths, leaving residents vulnerable to slipping hazards and difficult transit. The debate highlighted challenges councils face in balancing resource limitations with widespread weather hazards.
Community Disruption: School Closures and Daily Life
A direct consequence of Storm Goretti was the closure of hundreds of schools across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and northern England due to unsafe travel and icy conditions. These closures reflected both the severity of the weather and a cautious approach by authorities to protect children and families.
Many families had to rearrange routines, including childcare and work commitments, while councils and community groups opened warming centres or organised support for vulnerable households coping with prolonged cold and limited transport access.
Storm Aftermath and Continuing Risks
As Storm Goretti moved inland and into neighbouring regions, many parts of the UK began the slow process of recovery. Weather conditions gradually eased in some areas, but residual snow, ice, and high winds continued to pose hazards. Power restoration and clearing of blocked routes remained priorities for emergency services and local authorities.
In rural communities where snowfall was deepest, especially in high terrain, risks of isolation persisted, underscoring how severe winter storms can affect not just transport but access to food, medicine, and emergency care.
