The UK is currently in the grip of Storm Goretti, with widespread snow and ice causing travel disruptions, school closures, and power outages. As temperatures plummet, warnings remain in place for snow and ice in numerous regions, with the storm expected to continue influencing the weather well into the weekend. This update explores the details of the ongoing weather conditions, providing the latest information for affected areas.
Snow, Ice, and Power Disruptions: The Impact of Storm Goretti
According to a report from Birmingham Mail, Storm Goretti has caused significant disruption across the UK, with snow, ice, and strong winds taking their toll on transportation and infrastructure. The storm has left tens of thousands without power, with over 34,000 homes in the South West and thousands more across the Midlands and Wales still affected. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore power, and almost 170,000 properties have already had their power reinstated. However, with the storm continuing to cause havoc, many areas remain in the dark, and further disruptions are expected throughout the coming days.
This severe weather is not just impacting homes, transportation networks are facing significant disruption as well. Multiple flight cancellations were reported on Friday morning, especially at Heathrow, with the majority affecting short-haul flights. Major rail operators, including West Midlands Railway and East Midlands Railway, have urged passengers to check their journeys due to ongoing delays and cancellations. Roads are also hazardous, with icy conditions and reduced visibility, especially in the North and Midlands, where snow is expected to accumulate overnight.
Snow and Ice Threaten the UK This Weekend
The weather forecast for the next few days paints a challenging picture for the UK, with snow and icy conditions continuing to affect various regions. According to Jo Farrow from Netweather TV,
“The next hazard overnight into the early hours of Friday will be snow. This part of the forecast was always going to be tricky. There is cold air in-situ to the north of the incoming frontal rain. Heavy rainfall will lower the temperature allowing pockets of sleet and snow tonight, which will be hard to pin down.”
In particular, areas such as the Cotswolds could experience snow before dawn on Friday, while Southeast England may face a mix of sleet and icy rain. As the low-pressure system moves away, it will drag the cold air southward, causing snow over the Downs. This transition brings an amber warning for some regions, where heavy precipitation could result in significant snowfall, even at lower levels. Snow is expected to be heaviest along the front where warm and cold air meet.
Travel and School Disruptions: Affected Regions and Safety Measures
As Storm Goretti continues to impact large portions of the UK, travel disruptions are widespread. According to the Birmingham Mail, significant snowfall has already led to temporary closures of airports, including East Midlands Airport, which reopened after a brief suspension of operations due to heavy snow. Major rail services have also been disrupted, with passengers advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Some schools across the Midlands, Cornwall, and Wales were closed on Friday, and others may remain shut over the weekend, particularly in Scotland, where snow has caused prolonged closures.
Authorities continue to advise caution on the roads, as icy conditions remain a major concern. The AA has warned that wintry conditions can “reduce visibility in seconds,” urging drivers to take extra care. Scotland and northern England are expected to experience further snow, while milder conditions will gradually push into the South by Sunday. Despite the colder temperatures, these warmer spells could bring rain in most places, which will likely replace the snow, particularly in the South.
