Storm Goretti is poised to deliver one of the most disruptive winter episodes of the season across the United Kingdom, with heavy snow, sheets of ice and storm-force winds expected to hit thirty seven areas from Scotland to the south west of England.

With widespread travel disruption already unfolding after days of severe cold, forecasters and emergency planners are warning that the deepening low pressure system could bring dangerous conditions on roads and railways, flight cancellations, school closures and further risk of power cuts over the next 48 hours.

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Where and when Storm Goretti will hit

The Met Office says Storm Goretti, named by French forecaster Météo France, will sweep across the south of the UK from Thursday afternoon into Friday, interacting with very cold air that has settled over the country.

This collision is expected to create a “multi hazard” event with heavy snow on the northern side of the storm’s track and strong winds and driving rain to the south.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice cover much of the UK, including large swathes of England and Wales, along with parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland.

A separate yellow warning for strong winds is in place for Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly from Thursday afternoon until late evening.

Forecasters stress that the exact track of Goretti remains uncertain, which means warnings could be updated or upgraded at short notice.

Snow is forecast to develop first over higher ground in south Wales late on Thursday, before rain turns increasingly to snow across the Midlands, central southern England and into parts of East Anglia and northern England overnight.

By early Friday, conditions could be treacherous on untreated roads and rural routes, particularly where snow has drifted in strong winds or compacted into ice after sub zero nights.

How much snow and ice to expect

Forecasters expect a wide range of snowfall totals, reflecting the sharp gradients within Storm Goretti and the mix of rain, sleet and snow that different regions will experience over the next 24 to 36 hours.

Across parts of England and Wales inside the snow warning area, many locations are likely to see 5 to 10 centimetres of snow settling, with the risk of as much as 20 centimetres in some places where showers line up or where banded snowfall persists.

In higher parts of Scotland, which have already endured days of heavy snow, accumulations are far more significant.

Amber warnings for snow are in force across parts of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, where drifts and totals of many tens of centimetres have been recorded.

Some mountain areas could see further substantial falls as Goretti introduces another pulse of moisture and uplifts cold air locked in place over the north.

Even where snowfall totals remain modest, ice may prove just as disruptive. After the UK registered its coldest night of winter so far, with temperatures plunging below minus 10 degrees in some eastern counties, surfaces are already deeply frozen.

Fresh snow will fall onto hard ice, and any partial thaw during daylight is likely to refreeze quickly after dark, extending the risk of slips and falls for pedestrians and spin outs for drivers well beyond the times of active snowfall.

Travel disruption across road, rail and air

Travel networks that were already stretched by earlier snow and ice are preparing for a fresh round of disruption as Storm Goretti approaches.

On the roads, motoring organisations report dealing with thousands of breakdowns in a single day in the worst affected regions, with a combination of battery failures, collisions and vehicles becoming stuck on untreated stretches or steep hills.

National Highways and local councils have been running gritting and snowplough operations around the clock, yet warn that conditions may still deteriorate quickly during the heaviest spells of snow, particularly on rural A roads, minor routes and exposed stretches of motorway.

Drivers are being urged to reconsider non essential journeys in the hours when warnings are in force, allow extra time, reduce speed and carry basic winter supplies such as warm clothing, food, water and phone chargers if they must travel.

Rail operators in Scotland and northern England are already running reduced timetables in some corridors, with speed restrictions and line closures where snow has drifted onto the tracks.

In recent days, routes between Aberdeen and Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness, and northern Highland lines have faced prolonged disruption after heavy and blowing snow.

Operators warn that more cancellations and delays are likely as Goretti’s snowfall spreads south into the Midlands and cross country routes.

Airports in snow prone regions are also facing a challenging period. Runway closures and de icing operations at several Scottish airports earlier this week forced a wave of flight cancellations and diversions, and airlines are cautioning passengers to check the status of services before leaving for the airport.

Further south, strong crosswinds associated with Storm Goretti may cause temporary suspensions of operations or missed approaches, even at airports seeing more rain than snow.

Power cuts and risks to rural communities

Beyond the immediate transport difficulties, there is growing concern that Storm Goretti could deepen the strain on power networks and isolated communities, particularly in northern and upland regions.

Heavy, wet snow combined with strong winds can bring down trees and branches onto power lines, while ice loading on cables and structures may cause additional failures.

Parts of Aberdeenshire and the Highlands have already declared major incidents in response to earlier snow events, warning that there is a “good chance” some rural communities may become temporarily cut off.

Farm tracks, single track roads and minor routes can quickly become impassable in drifting snow, blocking deliveries of food, fuel and medical supplies unless cleared by heavy machinery or assisted by local volunteers.

Electricity network operators have drafted in extra teams and equipment to respond to new faults if they arise during Goretti, with engineers on standby for rapid deployment once conditions allow.

Households in at risk areas are being encouraged to prepare basic contingency kits, including torches, spare batteries, battery powered radios, warm blankets, medication and a plan to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours if communications are disrupted.

With temperatures staying stubbornly low even during daytime, any extended power loss can quickly become a serious health risk, especially for older people, those with underlying medical conditions and families with young children.

Health agencies and local councils are emphasising the importance of heated rooms, layered clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure outdoors during the coldest and windiest periods of the storm.

Government health alerts and financial support

The UK Health Security Agency has extended its amber cold health alerts for England, signalling that the current spell of low temperatures is expected to continue affecting health and social care services until at least the end of the week.

Amber alerts are designed to prompt NHS and local authorities to mobilise extra resources, prioritise vulnerable groups and reduce the risk of cold related illness and deaths.

In parallel, the government’s cold weather payment scheme has been triggered in hundreds of postcode areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The scheme provides an automatic payment to eligible low income and vulnerable households when temperatures are recorded or forecast at zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.

After repeated triggers since the end of December, some communities in the coldest parts of northern England and southern Scotland are on course to receive multiple payments.

Charities and local support organisations say that while these payments are a lifeline for many, the combination of rising living costs and prolonged cold weather means some households may still struggle to keep homes adequately heated.

Travellers and visitors staying in guesthouses, short term rentals or with friends and family are advised to be aware of local support arrangements and to check official guidance if they encounter unsafe heating practices such as the use of open flames or faulty portable heaters.

Advice for travellers and winter safety tips

As Storm Goretti unfolds, travel experts and safety professionals are stressing the importance of planning ahead, particularly for those with onward journeys that involve connecting flights, cross border rail services or ferry crossings.

Where possible, travellers are encouraged to make journeys earlier in the day to avoid the coldest overnight hours and to keep flexible tickets or alternative routes in mind if services are curtailed at short notice.

On the roads, drivers are urged to fully clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights and roofs before setting off, and to ensure that windscreen wash is suitable for sub zero conditions.

Sudden braking, harsh acceleration and sharp steering should be avoided on snow or ice covered surfaces, where stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.

For longer journeys, packing a small winter kit including a shovel, high visibility vest, de icer, scraper, snacks and warm drinks can make a significant difference if traffic becomes gridlocked or if vehicles are stranded.

Pedestrians in affected towns and cities are also being asked to take extra care. Compact snow on pavements, station platforms and car parks quickly transforms into invisible ice, leading to a spike in falls and injuries.

Wearing sturdy footwear with good grip, using handrails where available and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones while walking can all reduce the risk of accidents.

Tourists unfamiliar with British winter conditions should pay close attention to local signage and advice from accommodation providers and tour operators.

What Storm Goretti means for upcoming travel plans

For many travellers, the arrival of Storm Goretti coincides with the first full working week after the festive break, when commuter traffic returns to normal levels and business and leisure trips pick up again.

Travel industry analysts say the timing could prove particularly challenging for airlines, train operators and coach companies already juggling high demand with staff shortages and lingering disruption from earlier weather systems.

Those due to travel over the coming days are advised to keep a close eye on forecasts and operator updates, and to consider whether journeys can be rebooked to avoid the peak impact window of Thursday evening into Friday morning in the worst hit regions.

Flexible and refundable fares, although often more expensive upfront, may offer valuable peace of mind if conditions deteriorate faster than expected or if warning levels are raised.

Accommodation providers in snow affected tourist regions, including parts of the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, Wales and the south west of England, are reporting mixed fortunes.

While some guests have cancelled or delayed arrivals due to road and rail problems, others are extending stays to avoid travelling in the middle of the storm or to make the most of picturesque snowy landscapes once conditions become safe again.

Travellers are encouraged to communicate proactively with hotels and guesthouses about arrival times and contingency plans if access roads close temporarily.

FAQ

Q1: Which parts of the UK are expected to be worst hit by Storm Goretti?
Forecasters highlight higher ground in south Wales, central and northern England, and parts of Scotland, along with coastal areas of the south west, as among the most exposed to heavy snow, ice and strong winds, though conditions will vary by region as the storm’s track evolves.

Q2: When will travel conditions be most dangerous?
The most hazardous period is expected from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, particularly overnight when heavy snow, freezing temperatures and strong winds combine to create drifting snow and widespread ice on untreated roads and pavements.

Q3: Could Storm Goretti lead to power cuts?
Yes, there is a real risk of power interruptions, especially in rural and upland areas where heavy, wet snow and high winds can damage overhead lines or bring down trees onto infrastructure, though network operators are on high alert with extra repair teams ready to respond.

Q4: How should drivers prepare if they cannot postpone journeys?
Motorists are advised to check their route and local warnings before departure, allow much more time than usual, drive slowly and smoothly, and carry winter essentials such as warm clothing, blankets, food, water, a scraper, de icer and a fully charged mobile phone.

Q5: What does a yellow weather warning actually mean for travellers?
A yellow warning indicates that some disruption is possible, including slower journeys and localised cancellations, and that people should stay aware of the forecast and be prepared for difficult conditions, even though many can still complete essential journeys with caution.

Q6: Will airports and flights be significantly affected?
Airports in snow prone or high wind regions may see periods of runway closure for clearing and de icing, along with delays and cancellations; passengers should check with airlines before travelling and allow extra time for security and boarding procedures.

Q7: Are schools likely to close again because of Storm Goretti?
Local authorities and head teachers will make decisions based on safety, but with more snow and ice expected, further closures or late openings are possible in areas where access roads and pavements become dangerous for pupils and staff.

Q8: What support is available for vulnerable people during this cold spell?
Extended amber cold health alerts are prompting health and social care services to prioritise at risk groups, while eligible households in many postcode areas are receiving cold weather payments to help with heating costs during the prolonged freeze.

Q9: Is it still safe to travel for tourism or leisure during the storm?
Authorities urge people to carefully weigh whether a leisure journey is essential when warnings are in effect; postponing or rebooking trips that cross the worst hit areas is often the safest choice, particularly for those unfamiliar with winter driving in snow and ice.

Q10: Where can travellers find reliable, up to date information on Storm Goretti?
Travellers should monitor national weather forecasts on broadcast and print media, follow advice from local authorities and emergency services, and check directly with transport operators for the latest details on road, rail and air disruption before setting out.