Credit Shutterstock
Save
It’s January, so we expect cold and rain here in Greater Manchester, but something we didn’t necessarily expect was a huge named storm. Coming our way is Storm Goretti, which along with some hefty snow and wind, will bring with it some disruption, which we’re not entirely unfamiliar with in Manchester.
We’re currently experiencing the calm before the storm, but once we’re in it, you might want to batten down the hatches. The worst of the weather is set to hit the south west, Wales and Scotland, but we’re not immune here in the North West, as we will most definitely see a fair bit of Storm Goretti.
Greater Manchester Met Office weather forecast 
Credit: Toby Howard via Shutterstock Today (Thurs 8 January)
Cloudy on Thursday with patchy light rain and hill snow, though some brightness developing across Cumbria through the afternoon. Turning more unsettled from the south by the evening with rain, hill snow and stronger winds. Maximum temperature 5 °C.
Tonight
Storm Goretti arriving in the south during the evening and overnight bringing heavy rain, hill snow and strong winds. Drier in Cumbria but staying cloudy. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
Friday (9 January)
Heavy rain and snow, mainly over the hills, clearing eastwards through Friday leaving wintry showers behind. Remaining cold with winds gradually easing. Maximum temperature 5 °C.
Outlook for Saturday (10 Jan) to Monday (11 Jan)
A cold weekend with overnight frost. Mostly dry and bright on Saturday and to start on Sunday. Further rain, snow and strong winds arriving later Sunday into Monday.
Credit: Met Office
There is also a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering the east of Manchester, into the Peak District, and some of Lancashire into Yorkshire today and tomorrow.
When will snow hit Manchester during Storm Goretti? 
Credit: WX Charts
According to WX Charts, Manchester will first see snow in the late afternoon/evening on Thursday 8th January, coming up from the south following a downpour of rain. The snow will continue through the night until around 3am, setting things up for a cold and snowy start to Friday (9th January).
What public transport will be disrupted by Storm Goretti?
Of course, many (if not most) people rely on public transport to get around Greater Manchester, and with the storm set to hit key train lines, there will be a fair bit of disruption. The Hope Valley line connecting Manchester to Sheffield will be closed from 6pm on Thursday 8th January, so no trains will be running until at least Friday evening, if not Saturday morning.
Trams on the Oldham, Rochdale and Ashton lines are most likely to be disrupted by the weather as are buses in the north and east of the city-region. Transport for Greater Manchester is urging people planning to travel this evening to check the latest information on the Bee Network app or website before they travel, leave extra time and if possible to travel before 5pm, when the storm is expected to hit.
Credit: Network Rail
Due to the expected impact, no trains will run on the following routes from 6pm this evening:
- New Mills Central – Sheffield
- Hazel Grove – Buxton
- Guide Bridge – Glossop/Hadfield
All train companies have put out warnings with some definite cancellations and other delays, so do check before you travel. You can read more about the public transport that will be disrupted during Storm Goretti here.
Official TfGM statement
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer said: “We are expecting Storm Goretti to hit Greater Manchester as we head into the evening peak travel time and we are urging everyone to check their plans before they travel, leave extra time and if possible to consider if they can make their journey before 5pm before the storm hits.
“Working with our partners and operators we are ready to respond to the storm and help to keep Greater Manchester moving – and I’d like to thank all of our staff for their efforts to do so.
“There may also be an impact on journeys tomorrow morning so if you are planning to travel then please check before you do so.”