Snowfall is expected to return to nearly 100 locations by the day’s end, as per the latest update from the Met Office.
With temperatures rapidly declining, a cold spell is set to persist through the upcoming weekend, affecting regions in England, Wales, and Scotland with blizzard conditions and strong winds due to Storm Goretti’s imminent arrival. The Met Office has issued various alerts, including two amber warnings, anticipating heavy snowfall in many areas.
According to the Met Office, Storm Goretti will disrupt travel on roads, air travel, and bus and train services, while potential power outages pose additional risks. Certain communities may face isolation, and mobile phone service could be affected, cautioned the weather agency.
Today, nearly 96 regions are under snow warnings, with substantial snowfall expected across England and Wales, particularly up to 30cm in the Midlands and Wales.
Exposed areas might experience gusts reaching up to 90mph, posing a potential life-threatening situation in the south-west.
The ongoing cold snap resulted in over 1,000 school closures across the UK this week, and the impending Storm Goretti is predicted to bring a “multi-hazard event” starting Thursday noon, according to the Met Office. Furthermore, heavy and persistent rain is forecasted to move across eastern and northern England from Thursday night into Friday.
The Met Office warns, “Storm Goretti is likely to bring heavy snow, leading to disruptions and challenging travel conditions. A deep low-pressure system will traverse southern UK on Thursday and Friday, bringing a mix of rain, snow, and strong winds.
“A period of heavy snow is expected over elevated areas in south Wales later on Thursday before transitioning to snow more broadly across parts of England and Wales overnight. Accumulation of 5-10 cm of snow is possible in some regions, with potential for up to 20 cm in higher elevations.
“Strong winds may cause snow drifting. Rain and snow will clear eastward by Friday. Meteo France has named this system, with the strongest winds likely over northern France associated with Storm Goretti.
“Snowy conditions can lead to delays and hazardous driving, so to ensure safety for yourself and others: plan your route, check for delays and road closures, adjust travel plans as needed; if driving, allocate extra time for preparation, inspect your vehicle before departure; pack essentials in case of delays (warm clothing, food, water, blanket, flashlight, ice scraper/de-icer, warning triangle, high visibility vest, in-car phone charger).”
