Storm Goretti Causes Widespread Disruption Across UK

Storm Goretti Causes Widespread Disruption Across UK
………..

Hundreds of schools in Scotland remained closed on Wednesday as snow and freezing temperatures continued to affect much of the UK, BBC reports. The severe winter weather has led to travel disruptions, school closures, and safety warnings, as authorities brace for the arrival of Storm Goretti, the first named storm of the year.

Met Office warnings are in place across the country, with yellow alerts for northern Scotland and amber warnings for heavy snow in parts of England, including the Midlands, South Yorkshire, Wales, and Gloucestershire, from Thursday evening. Forecasters say Goretti will also bring rain and wind gusts of up to 90 mph in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Incidents on icy roads have already occurred, with nine children injured in a collision between a school coach and a bus in Reading. Another school bus skidded into a ditch in Kent, though no injuries were reported. Police have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially in affected areas.

The storm is expected to undergo explosive cyclogenesis, or a “weather bomb,” with rapidly falling pressure indicating strong winds and severe conditions. Snow accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely across Wales and the Midlands, with higher amounts possible in hilly areas. Amber wind warnings have also been issued for south-west England.

The UK government has activated cold weather payments for more than one million households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Train services, including ScotRail and Eurostar, have experienced significant disruptions, while Aberdeenshire Council declared a major incident due to heavy snowfall and its ongoing impact on communities.