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Impact of Storm Goretti
The UK's first storm of 2026 has resulted in closed motorways, flight cancellations, and tens of thousands of homes experiencing power outages.
According to the National Grid's outage map, nearly 71,500 properties in England and Wales lost power at the storm's peak.
Storm Goretti has caused motorways to close, flights to be cancelled, and tens of thousands of homes to lose powerCredit: Alamy
Yesterday, the Met Office issued a rare red weather warning in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where the storm's effects were most severe.Credit: Getty
The UK has been affected by amber and yellow weather warnings highlighting the dangers of wind, snow, and ice brought by the storm.Credit: MET Office
What is Storm Goretti?
The storm struck the UK on Thursday afternoon, prompting yellow and amber warnings for wind, rain, and ice across the nation.
Officials have warned that some regions in England should brace for their "worst snowfall in a decade."
Over 50 flights operated by British Airways were canceled due to the storm.
Additionally, a section of the motorway between junction 28 Mansfield and junction 29 Chesterfield was closed following a lorry crash early this morning.
Yesterday, the Met Office issued a rare red weather warning in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where the storm's impact was felt the most.
Wind gusts of 99 mph were recorded at St Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly, while 90 mph winds were noted in Culdrose, Cornwall, as the strong gusts brought down power lines and trees.
Approximately 62,000 properties remain without power across the UK, but the National Grid has stated it will work "tirelessly" today to restore power across the network.
Over 50 flights from Heathrow were canceled, and yesterday, Birmingham Airport announced that all operations were postponed around 9:30 PM after its runway was covered in snow.Credit: Alamy
When will Storm Goretti end?
According to the latest update from the Met Office, this cold and dreary weather will not last much longer.
Storm Goretti is beginning to dissipate but will still affect large parts of Scotland and the North East until around 12 PM on Friday.
The South West of England has already experienced the worst of the storm.
A yellow weather warning for snow will remain in effect until around midday for a significant portion of central England and Wales.
Another yellow warning for rain is in place for areas of eastern England, lasting from approximately 6 PM to 9 PM tonight.
The Met Office website added: "Storm Goretti's influence will diminish on Friday evening as the system moves eastward across England."
"There will be a brief period of calmer weather for many on Saturday, with rain showers easing, clouds for those in the east, and possible sunny spells elsewhere.
"However, by Sunday, more unsettled weather will move in from the west. As milder Atlantic air attempts to replace the cold air over the UK, there is a risk of further widespread snowfall and strong winds in the north, along with rain in the south."
"There is still some uncertainty regarding the details for the latter part of the weekend, so it’s essential to stay updated with the forecast."
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the power outages during Storm Goretti?
The power outages were mainly due to strong winds and heavy snowfall that
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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