The UK is bracing for a severe deep freeze as the first named storm of 2026, Storm Goretti, sweeps in from the continent. The Met Office has issued a swathe of fresh weather warnings for heavy snow, treacherous black ice, and damaging winds, with forecasters highlighting a significant danger to life from the impending conditions.
Where and When Will Storm Goretti Strike?
The freezing grip of the storm is set to tighten from Wednesday, 7th January 2026, with the most severe conditions expected from 6pm on Thursday 8th January. A complex system of yellow and amber warnings blankets much of the country.
An Arctic blast has triggered yellow ice warnings for Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England from Wednesday morning, with Northern Ireland's alert active from midnight Wednesday to 10am Thursday. Scotland's warning lasts until midday Thursday.
Heavy snow is forecast to blanket most of England and Wales. An amber warning for heavy snow is in place for parts of Wales, the Midlands and South Yorkshire from 8pm Thursday until 9am Friday, with up to 20cm of snow possible in some locations. A separate yellow snow alert for the Midlands and Wales remains until midday Friday.
Dangerous Winds and Flooding Risks
Alongside the snow and ice, powerful winds and rain will compound the hazardous conditions. South-west England and Wales are set to bear the brunt of the gales. An amber wind warning has been issued for coastal areas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from 5pm until 11pm on Thursday, where gusts could reach a destructive 90mph.
Meanwhile, Wales faces the dual threat of heavy rain likely to cause flooding in the south-west. Yellow rain warnings also cover the East Midlands, eastern England, and Yorkshire.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its amber cold health alerts for all of England until 10am on Friday. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives, warning that the cold temperatures significantly increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
Widespread Travel Chaos Expected
The combination of elements is predicted to cause major nationwide disruption. Travel across roads, rail, air, and sea is expected to be severely affected from Wednesday through Friday. The public is advised to avoid unnecessary journeys, especially in areas under amber warnings, and to stay updated with the latest Met Office advice.
Storm Goretti was named by Meteo France, as France is anticipated to be worst-hit by the snowstorm. The name Goretti references Maria Teresa Goretti, an Italian saint within the Catholic church.
