The UK is bracing for Storm Goretti, with amber weather warnings issued across the nation as heavy snowfall and powerful winds threaten parts of the country.
Up to 30cm of snow is anticipated in the Midlands, while exposed regions could experience gusts reaching 90mph, posing a potential risk to life.
The storm is expected to sweep in from the south-west on Thursday, bringing a cloudy and cold start to the day. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill confirmed the storm will deliver "wet, windy and wintry weather" across various parts of the UK.
He said Storm Goretti, named by Meteo France, would bring “some strong winds and some significant snow to central and perhaps southern parts”.
The meteorologist added: “As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us… and so on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday.”
Snow warning map:
Amber warnings have an “increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather” compared to yellow warnings, meaning there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and potential risk to life and property.
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event” with heavy rain, strong winds and snow.
He said 5-10cm of snow is likely widely in Wales and the Midlands, with 15-25cm and a potential for up to 30cm in some areas.
Strong winds with gusts of 50-60mph will likely affect south-western areas on Thursday afternoon and evening, with gusts of 60-70mph along exposed hills and coasts, the Met Office said.
The forecaster has issued an amber warning for heavy snow from Thursday evening into Friday, covering parts of Wales, the Midlands and South Yorkshire.
A low pressure system is developing, named by Météo France as Storm Goretti
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 7, 2026
It will bring strong winds, heavy rain & snow to the UK
Small forecast changes could have large impacts on the location and intensity of wind and snow, so stay #WeatherAware 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/06X4icoRid
The snowfall will mean trains and planes could be delayed or cancelled, rural communities may be cut off, and power cuts and disruption to mobile signal are likely.
The warning stretches from Sheffield in the north, down to Leicester, across much of the West Midlands and into Wales.
It comes into force at 8pm on Thursday and ends at 9am on Friday.
National Highways issued its own amber warning for snow in the West and East Midlands, which lasts from 6pm on Thursday until 9am on Friday.
The agency said in a statement: “Routes particularly around Birmingham across to Leicester and Nottingham will see particularly difficult driving conditions and consideration of the weather forecast should be taken before commencing journeys, with considerable delays possible.”
Drivers were also warned that the A628 Woodhead Pass would be closed both ways between the A616 at Flouch and the A57 at Hollingworth from 8pm on Thursday due to the severe weather.
An amber wind warning from 5pm to 11pm on Thursday has been issued across parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, as forecasters warn of 80-90mph gusts in “exposed places”.
There is a further yellow warning for wind for much of south-west England from 3pm on Thursday to 6am on Friday.
There is also a yellow warning for snow and ice in Scotland from 10pm on Wednesday until midday on Thursday and a yellow warning for ice in Northern Ireland from midnight until 10am on Thursday.
A yellow snow warning has been issued for a large part of England and much of Wales, and will be in place from 5pm on Thursday until midday on Friday.
The Met Office said heavy snow may cause disruption and difficult travelling conditions.
Mr Burkill said 20cm or more of snow could settle, adding that is “enough to cause some severe disruption”.
A yellow rain warning has also been issued across the east of England from 6pm on Thursday to 9pm on Friday, and in west Wales from midday on Thursday to 10am on Friday.
Amber cold weather health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency until January 11, meaning severe impacts across health and social care services are expected.
Officials expect a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, with impacts also possible on younger age groups.
Full list of all UK schools closed today as UK braces for Storm Goretti
Why is it called Storm Goretti?
Storm Goretti map: Where Britain will be hit by heavy snow and ice
Man who died with dementia aged 24 leaves brain to science
Cold weather payments triggered in 700 postcodes – check if you’re eligible
Storm Goretti live: Amber snow and ‘danger to life’ warning as 90mph winds approach
