Traffic: Drivers risk nationwide travel chaos amid urgent response from air ambulance and 'specialist teams'

On 9 January 2026, Storm Goretti swept across the UK, triggering widespread traffic chaos. Drivers in Kent, Devon and Derby faced long delays after a series of accidents on major roads. The government deployed an air ambulance and specialist teams to respond to incidents, but congestion persisted. Authorities warned motorists to allow extra travel time and to stay alert for road closures. The storm’s high winds and heavy rain caused multiple vehicle collisions, leading to road blockages and emergency services being stretched thin. Despite the rapid response, traffic remained disrupted across the country, highlighting the vulnerability of the transport network to severe weather.