Storm Goretti Hits UK: Amber Warnings Issued for 20cm Snowfall and Record-Breaking -12.5°C Arctic Freeze

Britain is facing its most significant winter threat in years as Storm Goretti arrives, bringing a “multi-hazard” weather event that has already shut down schools and grounded flights across the North.

1. The Arrival of Storm Goretti: A National Emergency

Today, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Met Office confirmed that the first named storm of the year, Storm Goretti, is rapidly intensifying. Named by Météo-France, this deep low-pressure system is currently colliding with a freezing Arctic air mass sitting directly over the British Isles.

Meteorologists have described this as a “highly unpredictable” system. While France will see the strongest winds, the UK is set to receive the brunt of the moisture, which will transform into heavy, disruptive snow as it hits the sub-zero temperatures across England and Wales.

2. Snowfall Records and Freezing Extremes

Last night was officially recorded as the coldest night of the winter, with temperatures plummeting to -12.5°C in Marham, Norfolk. Other regions, including North Yorkshire and the Scottish Highlands, saw lows of -11°C, leading to widespread ice hazards on untreated roads.

3. Travel Chaos: Air, Rail, and Road Disruptions

National Rail and major airlines have already begun issuing “Essential Travel Only” advisories. In Aberdeen and North Wales, industrial diggers have been deployed to clear main thoroughfares, but many rural communities are already at risk of being cut off.

• Flight Cancellations: Heathrow and Manchester airports are monitoring wind shear levels, with delays expected for all outbound flights on Thursday evening.
• Road Safety: The RAC has reported a 400% increase in breakdown calls due to frozen batteries and accidents on black ice.
• Power Infrastructure: National Grid is on high alert for power outages in Devon and Cornwall as 70mph winds threaten to bring down trees and power lines.

4. How to Prepare: Safety Checklist

Public Health England has issued an Amber Health Alert, urging people to keep their homes heated to at least 18°C. For those who must travel, the following emergency kit is recommended:

Stay updated with Met Office live maps and local news bulletins as Storm Goretti moves across the country. Safety remains the number one priority.