Storm Goretti live: Amber snow and ‘danger to life’ warning issued as 90mph winds approach UK

Storm Goretti’s influence will wane on Friday evening as the system moves to the east of England. There will be a short-lived interlude of calmer weather for many on Saturday with rain showers easing, cloud for those in the east, and sunny spells possible elsewhere.

However, by Sunday the forecast becomes very uncertain, according to Met Office deputy chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway.

He said: “It’ll remain cold or very cold to start the weekend, although for most it will be dry. We then have very large uncertainties in the forecast by Sunday and Monday as milder air from the Atlantic tries to displace the cold air over the UK. This set up brings a risk of some further widespread snowfall, so it’s important to stay aware of the forecast and any warnings which may be issued over the next few days.”

Alice Simpson, from RAC breakdown, said drivers in areas worst affected by Storm Goretti need to consider “if it’s safe to get behind the wheel” as icy conditions make the roads slippery and dangerous.

The AA is also urging drivers to take extreme care as Storm Goretti approaches, adding that they need to “approach every journey with heightened caution”.

Shaun Jones, AA expert patrol, said: “If forecasts show heavier snow or stronger winds moving into your area, consider delaying your journey or working from home where appropriate.”

Data from Virgin Media O2 showed broadband traffic was up by 17.4 per cent on Tuesday compared with the same Tuesday last year, suggesting more workers stayed at home instead of risking their commute to the office.

The Airbus A321 with around 200 people on board took off from the Spanish capital at 6.57am GMT for what should have been a two-hour flight to Orly airport in Paris. After 96 minutes it entered a holding pattern southwest of the French capital.

The passengers were left 250 miles from their intended destination after extreme cold weather hits Europe.

The Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong has described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event”, as heavy rain, strong winds and snow are set to continue.

He predicted that 5-10cm of snow is likely widely in Wales and the Midlands, with 15-25cm in some places, and there is potential for it to reach up to 30cm locally.

Strong winds with gusts of 50-60mph will likely affect south-western areas on Thursday afternoon and evening, with gusts of 60-70mph along exposed hills and coasts, the Met Office said.

A yellow snow warning has been issued for a large part of England and much of Wales, and will be in place from 6pm on Thursday until midday on Friday.

The Met Office said this might lead to heavy snow which will cause disruption and difficult travelling conditions.

More than 350,000 passengers flying to and from Amsterdam Schiphol – including tens of thousands from the UK – have now had their flights cancelled as a result of extreme wintry weather.

Simon Calder, The Independent’s Travel correspondent reports:

Meteorologist Alex Burkill has said there are “a lot of slippery conditions out there”, which is “worth factoring in if you’re about to head out the door”.

Mr Burkill said: “Storm Goretti is on its way, arriving later tomorrow and affecting us through tomorrow and into Friday, bringing some strong winds and some significant snow to central and perhaps southern parts.”

The meteorologist said the storm will bring “wet, windy and wintry weather” to parts of the UK.

“As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us… and so on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday,” he added.

Mr Burkill said exactly how far north this travels is “all to play for”, adding: “Exactly where we see that significant snow, that’s still a little bit uncertain, but the risk is there.”

Two buses full of school children have crashed on icy roads as Strom Goretti continues to grip the UK with more heavy snowfall expected.

In Berkshire, emergency services were called to the A3290 exit slip road, near the Sutton Seeds roundabout in Earley, Wokingham, in the morning after a road traffic collision involving a Reading bus and a school coach.

Nine children, the driver of the coach, and eight adults from the bus all suffered minor injuries, according to the South Central Ambulance Service.

Two patients, one of whom is a school child, have since been taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for further treatment.

A spokesperson for the service said a member of their team reported the road conditions were “very icy” at the scene.

Meanwhile, Kent Police were called to Chilmington Green, Ashford, soon after 8am after a school bus left the road and ended up in a ditch.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the bus was believed to have “slipped” off the road due to black ice.

In a statement, police said that there are “no reported injuries”.