Dozens of schools are set to shut down tomorrow due to the anticipated heavy snowfall overnight. Schools in the Midlands and Wales have decided to close for Friday following an amber snow warning in effect from 8 pm today until 9 am tomorrow. Among the closures are over two dozen schools in Shropshire. Storm Goretti has already impacted the UK, bringing intense snowfall, strong winds up to 99mph, and leaving many residents in southwest England without power on Thursday evening.
The Met Office issued an amber alert stating that rain associated with the storm will transition into heavy snow, potentially leading to power outages and isolating rural communities. Snow accumulation of 10 to 15cm is predicted in the affected regions, with up to 30cm on elevated areas in Wales and the Peak District.
A yellow snow warning, valid until noon tomorrow, covers the same regions along with parts of northern and southern England, including London. Additionally, a second yellow warning for snow and ice, in place until midday tomorrow, encompasses northern and eastern Scotland and parts of northern England. Over 250 schools in Scotland will remain closed, including 150 in Aberdeenshire, multiple in the Highlands and Aberdeen, and a few in Moray.
In Cornwall, several schools had to close early today due to strong winds. The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for the county, including the Isles of Scilly. Wind speeds of 99mph were recorded at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly, setting a new record for the location, as noted by the Met Office.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong cautioned about the persistence of “violent gusts” for up to three hours before subsiding. He highlighted the issuance of a red severe weather warning for wind in the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall due to Storm Goretti’s exceptionally strong gusts reaching 100mph or higher. The forecast indicates heavy snow in Wales, the Midlands, and parts of northern England overnight and into Friday morning, bringing significant disruption.
Goretti is expected to bring snow predominantly to Wales and the Midlands, with accumulations of 10-15 cm widespread and up to 20-30 cm in some areas, particularly elevated locations in Wales and the Peak District. An Amber warning has been issued for Thursday night and Friday morning, signaling the highest risk of disruption. Armstrong advised residents in warning areas to stay updated on forecasts and local authority communications.