Storm Goretti: Everything You Need To Know As It Approaches The UK

Following a snowy start to the week, which has left much of the UK facing yellow and amber weather alerts, Storm Goretti is expected to bring further snow and strong winds to our shores on Thursday, 8 January. Calling it a possible “multi-hazard event”, the Met Office explained that snowfall of 5-10cm may occur in parts of the UK once the storm arrives. Yellow weather warnings have been issued across parts of England and Wales in advance of the weather front’s arrival. ⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️ Snow across parts of England and Wales Thursday 1800 – Friday 1200 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/HAROc1IVO9 — Met Office (@metoffice) January 6, 2026 When will Storm Goretti hit the UK? As the storm approaches, wind weather warnings have been set from 3pm on 8 January in parts of the south-west (including Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly). This warning will last until just before midnight that same day. Meanwhile, snow warnings are in place for other parts of England and Wales from 6pm on Thursday until noon on Friday, 9 January, as of the time of writing. Where is Storm Goretti expected to hit in the UK? Storm Goretti, which is coming up from the south, is expected to “move across the south of the UK during Thursday and into Friday”, the Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said. “Thursday night could be what we call a ‘multi-hazard’ event, with snow on the northern flank of the low, wind and rain on the southern flank.” We don’t know exactly where it’ll hit yet. At the moment, Storm Goretti-related snow warnings are in place for large parts of west England, as well as much of Wales. “The exact track of the low is still uncertain, and these warnings are likely to be amended – and potentially escalated – over the coming days. It is therefore vital people keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts,” Bulmer warned. There are also weather warnings in place across the UK that are not specific to the storm ; another reason to stay up-to-date with weather advice in your area. How bad is Storm Goretti expected to be? Storm Goretti will approach the UK’s existing cold weather front. It’s expected to bring snow and wind along with it, which is why it’s been dubbed a potential “multi-hazard” event. Bulmer said the storm will “clash with the very cold air here... heavy snow could lead to disruption and difficult travelling conditions”. “Strong winds associated with Storm Goretti may also lead to some disruption,” he added. Some parts of the UK will be issued yellow weather warnings as the storm arrives. A yellow snow weather warning means we may face “low-level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places”. Yellow weather warnings are calculated on a matrix, which balances how severe the conditions could be with how likely they are to happen. Storm Goretti’s snow warning has a low likelihood and a medium impact as of the time of writing. Its wind warning also has a low likelihood and a medium impact. These warning levels may change, so check them regularly. ⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️ Wind across parts of southwest England Thursday 1500 – Thursday 2359 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/i64B6ERyyB — Met Office (@metoffice) January 6, 2026 How can I keep myself and others safe in Storm Goretti? Stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and warnings in your area, as these could change. Age Scotland’s policy director, Adam Stachura also shared: “With such cold temperatures and icy conditions ahead, try and make sure you have enough food and any important medications at home to reduce the need for unnecessary and potentially risky trips. “This is particularly important if you have mobility challenges or are unsteady on your feet by avoiding slips, falls and the need for medical attention.” If you’re struggling to heat your home, “try and stay warm in the room or place you will spend most of your time by wearing layered clothing, taking warm drinks and food with some regular movement to help with circulation and keeping your muscles active”. And if you’re able to clear snow and ice from your own drive or path, he added, consider asking neighbours who might not be as able to complete the task if they want you to do the same for them. Related... Met Office Shares 5 'Essentials' For Snow-Related Power Cuts This Is Where To Expect Snow In The UK This Week Yellow Snow And Ice Warnings: Risks And Next Steps, Explained