Thousands of properties are facing power outages due to Storm Goretti striking the UK, prompting a rare red warning for “dangerous, stormy” winds. The Met Office has highlighted the likelihood of “violent gusts” hitting regions in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, posing a potential threat to life. St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly has already recorded winds reaching 99mph, setting a new site record.
Reports indicate that over 47,000 properties in the South West were without power around 9 pm, with additional power outages affecting over 5,000 properties in the West Midlands and 2,000 in Wales. By 10 pm, the number of properties without power in the South West had surpassed 51,000.
National Grid has acknowledged the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions on power supplies, emphasizing the potential impact of high winds on equipment and the risk of ice accumulation on overhead lines during colder weather. The organization has bolstered its response teams to swiftly address any storm-related issues, prioritizing safety in all operations.
Roisin Quinn, field operations director, reassured the public of the network’s resilience and proactive measures taken to mitigate Storm Goretti’s effects. She emphasized the readiness of engineering teams, contact centers, and support staff to address any storm-related damages promptly and ensure customer safety and assistance.
Cornwall Council has issued advisories urging residents to remain indoors due to the severe weather conditions, citing increasing reports of fallen trees, power lines, and road blockages. The red warning in effect until 11 pm warns of potential damage to buildings, large waves, flying debris endangering lives, power disruptions, and transport service cancellations. The Met Office advises taking necessary precautions to safeguard against the impending severe weather impact.
School closures and train suspensions have been implemented in anticipation of the storm’s effects. Network Rail announced the suspension of all trains in Cornwall from 6 pm on Thursday, with additional service disruptions expected in Devon due to forecasted high winds. Passengers are advised to plan travel accordingly to avoid late afternoon journeys.
The storm, named by Meteo France, has been classified as a “multi-hazard event” by the Met Office, with snowfall up to 30cm possible in certain UK regions. Weather warnings encompass snow, wind, rain, and ice across the country, with expected disruptions and hazardous travel conditions. Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong emphasized the diverse impacts of Storm Goretti, highlighting the significant snowfall risks in Wales and the Midlands, intense winds in the South West, and potential rain-related disruptions in Wales and East Anglia.