The UK is preparing for severe winter weather as Storm Goretti sweeps across the country.
The Met Office has issued amber “danger to life” warnings for ice, snow, and high winds, affecting large swathes of England, Wales, and Scotland.
Residents are being urged to take precautions as the storm brings snow, gusts of up to 90mph, and icy conditions.
What areas are under amber warnings for Storm Goretti?
The Met Office has issued multiple amber warnings across the UK:
| Warning Type | Areas Affected | Timing | Expected Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | Cornwall | From 8pm Thursday | Gusts of 80–90mph, large waves, debris, danger to life |
| Snow | Wales, Peak District | Thursday night to Friday morning | Up to 30cm of snow in some areas, 5–25cm widely |
| Strong Winds | South-west England | Thursday afternoon–evening | Gusts 50–60mph inland, 60–70mph on exposed hills/coasts |
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event” with heavy rain, strong winds, and snow.
Storm Goretti is approaching and will bring multiple weather hazards across England and Wales on Thursday and into Friday.
The Met Office has issued warnings for wind, snow and rain, including two AMBER warnings.
Check the details here: https://t.co/J6W0g3JQw8#StormGoretti pic.twitter.com/q3rZlYB9Hj
— BBC Weather (@bbcweather) January 7, 2026
He added: “Five to ten centimetres of snow is likely widely in Wales and the Midlands, with 15–25cm and potentially 30cm in some areas.”
How bad is the snow in Scotland and Aberdeenshire?
Parts of Scotland are already experiencing extreme conditions. In Insch, Aberdeenshire, local resident Doug Griffin, 58, reported snow drifts of around 50cm on Tuesday, currently measuring 30cm after thawing: “These are exceptional conditions.
Our village has been effectively cut off, and the snowplough barely managed to clear the Co-Op entrance.” Aberdeenshire locals have described this as one of the worst winters in 25 years.
Scotland’s gritters are working hard to keep roads safe, with amusing names such as Gritallica, Sledge Zeppelin, and You Only Grit Ice helping keep public morale high. The full list is available via Traffic Scotland’s gritter tracker.
What is the impact on health and services?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended amber cold health alerts for England until Sunday.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events at UKHSA, said: “The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for those over 65 or with pre-existing conditions.”
Ambulance services are already seeing a surge in 999 calls, with hospitals under intense pressure. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has urged the public to check on vulnerable friends and relatives during the cold snap.
Additionally, cold weather payments have been triggered for over 700,000 households across more than 400 postcodes. Residents can check eligibility via the government’s Cold Weather Payment portal.
How is Storm Goretti affecting transport and travel?
Storm Goretti is not only hitting the UK but also causing international disruption. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, snow and ice have led to hundreds of flight cancellations.
Travel correspondent Simon Calder explains: “The airport’s de-icing infrastructure isn’t designed for multiple days of heavy snow.
KLM’s fleet of 25 de-icing trucks is using around 85,000 litres of fluid daily, which is extraordinary and depleting supplies fast.”
UK travellers should anticipate delays and cancellations, particularly for flights connecting to Europe. Domestic travel is also affected, with icy roads and snow-covered routes making driving hazardous.
How can people stay safe and warm during the storm?
Experts are advising residents to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours.
- Check in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
- Use heating efficiently: turning up the thermostat won’t heat rooms faster; it will only increase bills.
- Prepare emergency supplies, including food, water, blankets, and a charged mobile phone.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill warned: “Wet, windy and wintry weather will continue to affect central and southern parts of the UK. Significant snow is likely on the northern edge as cold air meets incoming rain.”
For live updates, residents can follow verified sources like BBC Weather, Met Office Twitter, and Traffic Scotland’s updates.
What does this mean for the UK public?
Storm Goretti is expected to disrupt travel, school openings, and local services. Residents should take precautions to stay safe on the roads and protect their health, particularly those most vulnerable.
While snow can be picturesque, the combination of high winds and icy conditions makes this a serious danger-to-life event.
Prepare, stay informed, and avoid unnecessary risks as the UK faces one of the most significant winter storms of the year.
