Storm Goretti Brings Heavy Snow, Amber Warnings Across UK

On 7 January 2026 the Met Office issued amber warnings for snow and wind as Storm Goretti, the year’s first named storm, moved in from the southwest. Heavy snowfall hit Aberdeenshire, with Tomintoul in Moray recording 46 cm (18 in) at 09:00 UTC and other sites seeing up to 30 cm. Accumulations of 10‑15 cm are expected across Wales and East Anglia, with 20‑30 cm possible on hills above 200 m. The warning prompted school closures in Shetland, Orkney and Aberdeenshire, a bus crash in Ashford, Kent, and a coach collision in Reading, Berkshire. The UKHSA extended its amber cold health alert until midday Sunday, and travel services were advised to check journeys before Friday.