The Met Office has issued a new weather alert for snow and ice across 40 areas. The yellow warning covers a large part of Scotland and northern England, lasting from 8pm until 12pm tomorrow. This warning is in addition to others covering the country for snow, ice, wind, and rain as Storm Goretti approaches with gusts potentially reaching 100mph.
In addition to the yellow warnings, there is an amber warning for snow in central areas of England and Wales, running from 8pm tonight until 9am tomorrow. The latest update warns of widespread ice formation as surfaces refreeze overnight, with wintry showers expected to bring further snow accumulations to parts of northern England and eastern Scotland.
The severe weather conditions are due to a “weather bomb” associated with Storm Goretti, characterized by heavy snowfall and gale force winds. A weather bomb, or explosive cyclogenesis, occurs when the central pressure in a low-pressure system drops rapidly. Storm Goretti is expected to see a pressure drop of 36 millibars within 24 hours, meeting the criteria for a weather bomb.
During a weather bomb event, winds can be powerful enough to cause damage to trees and structures. The Met Office has labeled Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event,” with the potential for up to 30cm of snow in some parts of the UK. The most intense gusts are anticipated in the South West, particularly Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with an amber warning in effect from 4pm to 11pm today. A yellow warning for wind has also been issued for the entire south coast, with gusts of up to 60mph expected.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong emphasized the diverse impacts of Storm Goretti, with significant snowfall projected for Wales and the Midlands, and strong winds in the far southwest. He highlighted the complexity of the severe weather and advised residents in warning areas to stay updated on forecasts and advice from local authorities. Accumulations of 10-15 cm are likely in Wales and the Midlands, with higher amounts possible in certain areas, especially in Wales and the Peak District. An Amber warning has been issued for Thursday night into Friday morning due to the high risk of disruption.
Affected Regions:
– Central, Tayside & Fife
– Grampian
– Highlands & Eilean Siar
– North East England
– North West England
– Orkney & Shetland
– SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
– Strathclyde
– Yorkshire & Humber
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