Storm Goretti Set to Bring Further Snow and Disruption Across UK

The UK faces more travel disruption this week as Storm Goretti is forecast to bring heavy snow and strong winds to large swathes of England and Wales on Thursday.

Communities are still dealing with the effects of several days of winter weather, which have already caused widespread travel issues and forced many schools to close. While temperatures on Tuesday night were milder than the previous evening — when Norfolk recorded -12.5°C, the coldest night of the winter so far — snow and ice warnings remain in place across much of the country until Friday.

Over 1,000 schools were closed on Tuesday, stretching from Oxfordshire to Orkney. In northern Scotland, some pupils face an extended Christmas break as severe conditions continue to disrupt daily life. Aberdeen City Council confirmed all schools in the city, and neighbouring Aberdeenshire, would remain shut on Wednesday. A major incident has been declared due to heavy snowfall, with warnings that rural communities may become isolated and power outages are possible.

The Met Office has extended a yellow ice warning covering much of England, Wales, and southern Scotland until 10am on Wednesday, while a similar alert remains for Northern Ireland until 11am. Northern Scotland continues to face a yellow snow and ice warning until midnight Wednesday, with up to 20cm of fresh snow expected in some areas. Strong winds could lead to drifting snow, adding further hazards to travel.

Storm Goretti, named by Météo France, is driven by powerful winds over northern France, which are pushing severe winter conditions into the UK. A yellow wind warning has been issued for Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly from Thursday afternoon until late evening, while snow warnings cover much of England and Wales from Thursday evening through midday Friday.

The winter weather has already affected sport and daily life.

On Tuesday, seven Scottish midweek football matches were cancelled due to freezing conditions. Police Scotland urged residents in northern and north-eastern regions to follow official travel guidance as snow continues to fall.

Aberdeenshire Council said it anticipates a prolonged period of disruption, with some remote communities already cut off. Extra snow-clearing equipment has been deployed, and 4,000 tonnes of salt are being shipped in to support gritting efforts.

Across the UK, hundreds of thousands of households are receiving cold weather payments to help cover heating costs during the spell. Residents in Cumbria and Northumberland may qualify for higher payments, while vulnerable individuals, including pensioners, are eligible when temperatures drop below freezing. The UK Health Security Agency has extended its amber cold health alert for all regions of England until Sunday.

Local MP Harriet Cross praised the efforts of farmers and contractors during the severe weather.

“Our heroic farmers have gone above and beyond, helping stranded travellers navigate treacherous roads. They’ve been out clearing snow while also caring for their own livestock through some of the worst snowfall in recent memory,” she said.