08/01/2026
As storm Goretti sets to hit the UK later today bringing snow, ice and wind.
The Met Office, which describes the storm as a "multi-hazard event", has issued an amber warning for snow and heavy winds in parts of England and Wales, and a number of yellow weather alerts across large swathes of the UK.
The Met Office has issued five things households should do to prepare. These are:
1 - Plan routes and check for delays and road closures.
People have been advised to complete their journeys before the bad weather hits on Thursday evening.
Drivers are urged to leave plenty of time for travel and check their wipers, tyres and screen wash before heading out.
Essentials should also be packed in the car in case you break down or get stuck.
These includes things like an in-car phone charger, warm clothes and blankets, high-visibility clothing, jump leads, an empty fuel can, food and drink, a shovel and warning triangles.
2 - Driving safely
Motorists should use dipped headlights, accelerate gently and start in second gear if possible, which can help with wheel slips.
Alongside keeping a safe distance to other vehicles, drivers should keep a constant speed up hills and use a low gear for going downhill.
3 - Prepare items in case your home gets cut off
You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days.
To prepare, make sure to have: torches and batteries, candles, matches or lighters and plenty of blankets and warm clothing to hand.
4 - Keep home safe
If your property does get cut off, the Met Office has advised on doing certain things to keep your home safe.
These include:
- Create a comfortable place for your pets
- Turning off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed to avoid a fire
- Ensure the thermostat is set to the same temperature, both during the day and at night
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes, preventing them from freezing
- Stay indoors and wear layers of loose-fitting clothing, rather than bulky clothing, to stay warm
- Don't use a hob to heat your home due to the risk of carbon monoxide levels
5 - Have these items to hand in case of a power cut
The Met Office said: "The essentials that could help you cope with a power cut are:
- candles and matches or lighters,
- torches and batteries,
- a mobile phone power pack
It will also affect people with complex health conditions, who may feel isolated and struggle to keep warm in these conditions - remember to check on your loved ones and neighbours.
Stay safe everyone and look after each other.
Fresh snow and wind warnings come into place as Storm Goretti arrives on Thursday.
