The Met Office has issued a severe weather alert to 500,000 mobile phones in the UK due to concerns over Storm Goretti. Anticipated powerful winds in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly may cause structural damage, flying debris, and electricity outages tonight, posing a threat to life.
Storm Goretti, the first named storm of 2026, has been labeled a “multi-hazard event” by the Met Office, expected to be stronger than previous storms like Ciarán in 2023 and the Great Storm of 1987. This storm, classified as a “weather bomb”, is characterized by intense winds around a low-pressure system.
A rare red warning is effective from 16:00 to 23:00, with significant travel disruptions and potential power cuts, impacting services such as mobile networks. People are advised to remain indoors, avoid coastal areas, and take necessary precautions. The red weather warning is the highest level alert issued by the Met Office for extreme weather conditions.
In response to the imminent danger, the Cabinet Office is sending Emergency Alerts to the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall residents. These alerts will provide safety information and guidance to mobile phones in the affected regions. The government is well-prepared for severe winter weather, collaborating with local authorities, emergency services, and public agencies to manage any ensuing disruptions.