Storm Goretti has caused widespread disruptions, including power outages, school closures, and travel chaos for many individuals. The storm unleashed winds reaching close to 100mph, prompting a red warning for life-threatening winds in the South West.
As a result of the storm, over 40,000 properties in the South West were left without power, with additional outages in the West Midlands, East Midlands, and Wales. Efforts are underway to restore power to affected homes, with approximately 150,000 customers already having their power reinstated.
The aftermath of Storm Goretti has been characterized by a mix of rain, sleet, and snow across various regions. Significant snow accumulations have been reported in different parts of the UK, with Scotland experiencing notable snowfall totals.
Extreme weather conditions caused by the storm were evident with a record-breaking gust of 99mph reported at St Marys and substantial snowfall recorded in various areas. The storm also led to incidents such as fallen trees blocking roads, damaged vehicles, and structural damages to properties.
Forecasters have issued warnings of potential widespread flooding over the weekend, with the River Ouse already breaching its banks in Barcombe, East Sussex. Motorists and residents have been advised to exercise caution due to the hazardous weather conditions, including high winds, snow, and icy roads.
Storm Goretti, named by Meteo France, has had far-reaching impacts, with Birmingham Airport deploying snowploughs to maintain operations during blizzard conditions and various regions experiencing challenges due to the severe weather.