A fresh weather alert has been issued by the Met Office, warning of snow and ice in 40 areas. The yellow warning covers a large portion of Scotland and northern England from 8pm until 12pm tomorrow. This alert coincides with other warnings across the country for snow, ice, wind, and rain as Storm Goretti arrives with gusts potentially reaching 100mph.
In addition to the yellow warnings, there is an amber warning for snow affecting central regions of England and Wales from 8pm tonight until 9am tomorrow. The latest advisory predicts widespread ice formation as surfaces refreeze overnight. Wintry showers are expected to move inland across parts of northern England and eastern Scotland, possibly resulting in additional snow accumulations of a few centimeters inland and on higher ground.
The severe weather conditions, characterized by heavy snowfall and gale force winds from Storm Goretti, are attributed to a weather bomb phenomenon, also known as explosive cyclogenesis. This rapid fall in central pressure triggers intense weather events. Storm Goretti is forecasted to undergo a pressure drop of 36 millibars within 24 hours, meeting the criteria for a weather bomb.
During a weather bomb, winds can be powerful enough to cause tree damage and structural destruction. The Met Office describes Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event,” with the potential for up to 30cm of snow in parts of the UK.
The most severe gusts are expected in the South West, particularly Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where an amber warning is in effect from 4pm to 11pm today. A separate yellow warning for wind has been issued for the entire south coast, with gusts forecasted to reach up to 60mph.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong highlighted the diverse impacts of Storm Goretti, emphasizing the significant snowfall in Wales and the Midlands, as well as strong winds in the far southwest. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of Wales and East Anglia, potentially causing disruptions.
Armstrong warned of substantial snow accumulations in Wales and the Midlands, with 10-15 cm expected widely and up to 20-30 cm in some areas, especially on higher ground. An Amber warning has been issued for Thursday night into Friday morning in areas at the highest risk of disruption.
Residents in warning areas are advised to stay informed about the forecast and heed messages from local authorities as Storm Goretti unfolds.
