Published on
January 10, 2026
The United Kingdom is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Storm Goretti, which has left the country facing fierce winds, record-breaking snowfall, and widespread power outages, severely disrupting travel plans across the nation. As the storm’s effects continue to unfold, thousands are without electricity, and travel networks remain in chaos, with significant delays and cancellations affecting train services and flights. With more snow and ice expected over the weekend, the situation is set to worsen, making travel and outdoor activities hazardous, and authorities are warning residents to remain on high alert as they work to restore services and mitigate further damage.
UK Faces Ongoing Disruptions as Storm Goretti Aftermath Continues
The UK is enduring the aftermath of Storm Goretti, which wreaked havoc across the country with winds gusting up to 99mph and record-breaking snowfall. As the storm moves eastward, the nation is bracing for another weekend of challenging weather conditions. The damage left in Goretti’s wake includes widespread power outages, severe travel disruptions, and ongoing hazards expected to continue well into the weekend.
As of Saturday morning, residents across the UK are experiencing a brief respite in the weather. With drier conditions expected, authorities are taking advantage of this temporary lull to prepare for another wave of heavy rain and snow. The fresh weather front is set to arrive on Sunday, bringing additional hazards, including up to 20cm of snow in higher ground areas of the north, and a dangerous layer of ice on untreated surfaces. The new system, forecasted to arrive in the early hours of Sunday morning, promises to exacerbate the already difficult situation.
Despite the dry conditions on Saturday, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The warning spans almost all of Scotland and large portions of northern England. Higher elevations are predicted to experience up to 20cm of snow, with lower areas potentially seeing 10cm or more. This will make travel hazardous, particularly for those on untreated roads.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant, as temperatures will remain below freezing. As snow accumulates, the risk of icy patches will significantly increase, particularly on roads, pavements, and public transport systems. Localized flooding is also a concern, as melting snow may combine with incoming rain, leading to the possibility of water accumulation in low-lying areas.
Storm Goretti has already caused severe travel disruptions, and the weekend weather is likely to make matters worse. Train services across the country have been altered due to icy conditions. Operators including Transport for Wales, West Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, and CrossCountry have all reported significant delays and cancellations. While the drier conditions on Saturday may allow for some limited recovery, further delays are expected once the snow returns on Sunday.
In addition to the travel chaos, power outages remain a widespread issue. Thousands of homes have been left without electricity due to the storm’s intense winds. By Saturday morning, 28,000 homes in the South West were without power, while 1,700 homes in the West Midlands and 150 in the East Midlands were also affected. Energy providers are working tirelessly to restore power, but with ongoing hazardous conditions, the situation remains fluid.
In some areas, temperatures during the storm plummeted to as low as -12.3°C in Braemar, causing additional stress on both the power grid and transport networks. The forecast calls for severe frost throughout the weekend, with the potential for icy conditions on untreated roads and pavements. Authorities are warning residents to take extra care when navigating outdoor spaces, particularly in the early morning when temperatures are expected to be at their lowest.
Gale-force winds caused significant damage, uprooting trees and leading to numerous flight cancellations at airports across the country. Dramatic footage from Heathrow Airport showed a passenger plane swaying dangerously as it attempted to land, underscoring the power of the storm. While the storm has now moved eastward, the incoming cold air guarantees that wintry conditions will persist, keeping travel and outdoor activities perilous throughout the weekend.
For those planning to travel this weekend, authorities have advised against unnecessary journeys, particularly in affected areas. With the risk of travel disruptions, unsafe road conditions, and widespread power outages, only essential travel is recommended. Many airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, continue to experience significant delays due to the combined impact of high winds, snow, and low visibility.
The United Kingdom is reeling from the aftermath of Storm Goretti, facing record-breaking winds, heavy snow, and widespread power outages. With further snow and ice expected, travel disruptions and hazardous conditions are likely to persist throughout the weekend.
In conclusion, while the UK may experience a brief dry period on Saturday, the threat of further severe weather looms. Storm Goretti’s impact is still being felt, with snow, ice, and flooding predicted for Sunday, January 11. Emergency services, local authorities, and travel operators are continuing to work around the clock to ensure public safety and restore services where possible. Residents are urged to remain prepared and stay informed on the latest updates as the storm’s aftermath continues to unfold.
