The Met Office has identified 46 areas in England expected to face significant snowfall before the weekend as Storm Goretti approaches, with snow accumulations of up to 30cm forecasted. Yellow and amber warnings are in effect from Thursday, January 8 through Friday, January 9, signaling potentially hazardous weather conditions.
According to the Met Office, Storm Goretti will bring heavy snow, causing widespread travel disruptions and challenging road conditions across the affected regions. “Delays on roads are likely, with some vehicles and passengers potentially stranded. Rail and air travel may also experience delays or cancellations. In some rural communities, there is a risk of isolation,” the warning states.
The weather event could also lead to power outages and impact services such as mobile phone coverage. BBC Weather presenter and meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas explained, “Temperatures are dropping rapidly as night falls, with many northern and eastern areas expected to fall below freezing again tonight.”
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She added, “Eastern Scotland may experience temperatures as low as -7°C, increasing the risk of icy conditions. Ice hazards will primarily affect Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, where yellow warnings remain active due to snow and rain falling on surfaces below freezing.”
Keith-Lucas cautioned residents about the risks of slips and difficult driving conditions on untreated roads, emphasizing the need to exercise extra caution.
The full list of affected areas includes counties and regions such as Devon, Somerset, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Durham, Northumberland, Cheshire East, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, and Yorkshire.
National Rail has issued advisories urging travelers in northern Scotland to anticipate cancellations or delays due to severe weather. Additionally, a “check before you travel” advisory is in effect across all routes in Wales, England, and Scotland through Friday.
Residents are urged to stay informed on the evolving weather conditions and plan accordingly to ensure safety throughout the duration of Storm Goretti.