Storm Goretti affected the UK in January 2026. This page is a retrospective, not a live storm feed. Its warnings and measurements should not be read as current conditions on the day you visit.
The Met Office summary dated 9 January 2026 describes a multi-hazard event involving wind, snow and rain. That gives a firmer basis than an undated claim that the whole country is being battered now.
Where the red wind warning applied
The summary identifies the Isles of Scilly and much of Cornwall as the area of the red wind warning. It reports a 99 mph gust at St Mary’s Airport, 90 mph at Culdrose and 80 mph at Camborne.
These are location-specific gust observations, not sustained wind speeds across the UK. Rounding one station’s peak into a national 100 mph claim loses that distinction.
Different hazards had different geography
A wind observation cannot establish the snowfall or rainfall at another location. Read the relevant hazard and area before comparing impacts. A single dramatic coastal image is not a complete account of the event.
Our UK warning guide explains how colour, likelihood and impact relate. The existence of a red warning in one area does not make every nearby warning red.
Avoid unsupported rankings and explanations
Calling a storm the worst in decades requires a defined measure and comparison. Wind, rainfall, damage and disruption are different measures. A dramatic description such as weather bomb also needs a meteorological basis rather than being used as a synonym for bad weather.
This account therefore keeps to the dated official summary and does not invent damage totals, deaths, private experiences or a precise climate attribution.
Check current travel separately
For a journey now, use the latest forecast and official transport information. A historical storm article cannot establish today’s rail, flight or road conditions. Our weather and event guide covers the same distinction between conditions and operational decisions.
The winter preparation checklist offers general planning questions, but local advice takes priority. A useful retrospective records what happened while making it difficult to mistake old urgency for a new alert.
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