Brace yourselves – the first named storm of 2026 is brewing. And, according the Met Office, it’s going to be a ‘multi-hazard event’. 

Storm Goretti, which has been named by French meteorological service Meteo France, is expected arrive in the UK this week. With it comes weather warnings across almost all parts of the country. Over the next few days, Brits can expect to see lots of rain, heavy snow, ice and gale force winds, with potential disruption to power supply and to road, rail and air travel. 

Here’s everything you need to know about when Storm Goretti will land, how long it’ll last and where will be hit the worst. 

When will Storm Goretti hit the UK?

Goretti will cross into England and Wales on Thursday January 8. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: ‘A deepening area of low pressure – named Storm Goretti by Meteo France – will move across the south of the UK during Thursday and into Friday January 9.

It will clash with the very cold air here, meaning Thursday night could be what classifies as a ‘multi-hazard’ event, with snow on the northern flank of the low, wind and rain on the southern flank.’

Which areas will be worst hit by the storm?

The areas that will be worst affected by Storm Goretti will be in the south of the country.  The Met Office says that snow accumulations of 5-10cm are possible, with as much as 20cm over higher ground in Wales. 

Full list of weather warnings for Storm Goretti
Wednesday January 7

Yellow weather warnings are in place for most of the country on Wednesday January 7. The Met Office has issued a yellow ice warning for almost the entirety of England, Wales, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland (with the exception of places along the west coast), meaning people could be at risk of injury from slips and falls on icy surfaces and icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

There’s a yellow snow and ice warning in place for northern Scotland, which also means possible travel delays or cancellations, power cuts and a chance of rural communities becoming cut off. 

Thursday January 8

A yellow snow warning has been issued for parts of the Midlands and the south of the UK, including most of Wales, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Oxfordshire from 6pm on Thursday. That means there could be delays or cancellations to rail and air travel, disruption on roads and potential power cuts.

There’s also a yellow wind warning covering Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly, which means there’s a small chance of some damage to buildings, road and bridge closures, risk of injury from large waves and beach material on the seafront and power cuts. 

Friday January 9

The yellow warning for snow is in place on Thursday will last until 12pm on Friday. 

How to stay safe in snow and ice

Those aren’t the only warnings in place. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold health alert for all regions of England effective until 12pm on Sunday January 11. The main advice to the public is to try and minimise trips outside as much as possible while the storm is active. 

Adam Stachura, Age Scotland’s policy director, advised to the Met Office: ‘With such cold temperatures and icy conditions ahead, try and make sure you have enough food and any important medications at home to reduce the need for unnecessary and potentially risky trips. This is particularly important if you have mobility challenges or are unsteady on your feet by avoiding slips, falls and the need for medical attention.

‘If heating your home is a challenge, try and stay warm in the room or place you will spend most of your time by wearing layered clothing, taking warm drinks and food with some regular movement to help with circulation and keeping your muscles active.

‘And if you are out clearing paths and your drive of snow an ice, please think about also doing so for your older neighbours to help make it easier for them to leave the house if they need to. That act of kindness will go a long way.’

What about London? Here’s when and how much snow is forecast to fall in the capital this week. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.