The Met Office is advising UK residents to make sure they have an ample supply of essential household items on hand as severe weather is approaching. The week started with extremely cold temperatures near freezing, leading to snow and ice in many parts of the country.
Today, on Thursday, January 8, multiple weather warnings, including amber alerts for wind and snow, have been issued, impacting travel for millions of people. Storm Goretti, named by Météo-France, is expected to bring harsh conditions as the jet stream becomes more active, pushing low-pressure systems toward the UK.
According to the Met Office, as Storm Goretti approaches, rain will turn to snow in the Midlands, mid and south Wales, and possibly northern Devon and Somerset. The most significant snow disruption is anticipated in Wales, the Midlands, and northern England, with potential accumulations of 10 to 20cm in exposed areas.
In southern regions, rain will be predominant, but as the storm moves away and northerly winds return, even the southwest could experience a brief snowfall. Northern Scotland will maintain its deep snow, with sporadic precipitation adding to the totals. The main disruption is expected from Thursday’s system in the south.
A spokesperson mentioned that by Thursday evening, Storm Goretti will bring snow warnings for Wales, the Midlands, and northern England, with anticipated snowfall of five to ten centimeters, reaching up to 20cm in higher areas. Wind warnings are also in place for the southwest, with gusts reaching 50 to 60mph, and even stronger in exposed locations.
To ensure the safety of the public, the Met Office has issued guidance on preparing for severe weather conditions. They emphasized the importance of being #WeatherReady and shared tips on staying safe during snow and ice warnings.
The Met Office also highlighted the risk of power cuts during the week and advised being prepared with essential items such as torches, batteries, candles, matches, blankets, and warm clothing. They stressed the importance of planning ahead to cope with potential isolation due to snow.
For assistance, individuals can contact the British Red Cross Support Line at 0808 196 3651.