Not all flights arrive at the terminal building.
Credit: Alexandros Michailidis – Shutterstock
Storm Goretti is unleashing relentless powerful winds of up to 160kph, heavy snowfall of up to 30cm in parts of Wales and the Midlands, and widespread rain across England and Wales, it is suggested that travellers planning to head to the UK in the coming days, prepare for major disruptions. The storm, described by the UK Met Office as a “multi-hazard event” and a “weather bomb,” has already led to flight cancellations, train suspensions, road hazards, and ferry delays, with impacts peaking Friday morning. While Spanish airports remain largely unaffected, knock-on effects from European centres could impact connecting flights.
Goretti disrupts flights
Dozens of flights have been cancelled, particularly at London Heathrow, where British Airways grounded around 30 services, including routes to Aberdeen, Belfast, and international destinations like Berlin and Dublin. Channel Islands airports in Jersey and Guernsey closed early at 6pm local time, affecting connections from major UK cities. Other airports like Gatwick and Manchester report delays, with potential for more cancellations as winds intensify. Disruptions may extend into Friday morning, especially for early flights.
Rail and road chaos in Goretti’s wake – “Do not travel” warnings
Train services face severe interruptions, with all lines in Cornwall suspended from 6pm Thursday, and no replacement buses available due to unsafe roads. Routes in Devon, such as Exeter to Okehampton and Barnstaple, are also halted, while the Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield remains closed until Saturday. National Rail has issued “do not travel” advisories for affected areas.
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On roads, drivers are warned of black ice, flooding, and debris, with potential closures in high-wind zones like the southwest and snowy regions in the Midlands and Wales. Bus services are delayed or cancelled in impacted areas, and rural communities risk isolation. National Highways has an amber alert for snow in the Midlands, predicting difficult conditions around Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham.
Ferry and other transport issues
Cross-Channel ferries, including routes from Holyhead to Dublin and Dover to Calais, have seen sailings cancelled or rescheduled due to rough seas. Services to the Channel Islands and Scotland’s Orkney and Shetland may face further disruptions until Monday. A rare red warning for life-threatening winds is in place for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with amber alerts for snow and wind across much of England and Wales until Friday morning. Power cuts, mobile signal issues, and school closures are also reported.
Where to Check Before Traveling
Travellers should monitor updates closely and avoid non-essential journeys. Key resources include:
Packing for the temperature shift
Travellers from Spain, you might think it obvious, but thousands neglect to take this into account every year (yes, me too), where temperatures in major cities like Madrid (2-12°C) and Barcelona (7-14°C) remain relatively mild, should brace for a stark contrast in the UK. UK conditions are, of course, much colder, with highs struggling to reach 5°C in London and sub-zero lows amid snow and ice in central and northern areas. Pack warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and essentials like gloves and hats to handle the wintry weather.
Know your rights for cancelled flights
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers on flights to or from the EU (including the UK for now) have certain rights if a flight is cancelled. You are entitled to a choice of refund, re-routing to your destination under comparable conditions, or a return flight to your starting point. Airlines must provide assistance like meals, refreshments, and accommodation if needed during waits (you may need to insist with certain airlines that will remain unmentioned). If notified less than 14 days in advance and the cancellation isn’t due to extraordinary circumstances (note: severe weather may qualify, but check specifics), compensation ranges from €250 for short flights to €600 for long-haul. Contact your airline promptly to claim.
As Storm Goretti moves east, conditions should improve by the weekend, but vigilance is key for safe travels.