Storm Goretti, the first named storm of the year, is bringing heavy snow and strong winds to the UK. The Met Office issued amber warnings for snow and wind, especially for northern Scotland and southern coasts. Aberdeenshire Council declared a major incident due to heavy snowfall and drifting, which led to dangerous travel conditions.
Expected Snowfall and Wind Conditions
While temperatures were expected to be slightly warmer on Wednesday, the Met Office warned of sleet and snow across northern Scotland. Later, rain would spread to Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, and southwest England.
On Thursday, Storm Goretti will move in from the South West. The storm is expected to bring snow, particularly across Wales and East Anglia. The Met Office warned that areas above 200m could see up to 30 cm of snow, and lower areas might see 10-15 cm. Severe gales will likely affect southern coasts, causing more disruption.
Weather Warnings and Disruptions
The Met Office issued several yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and ice. Northern Scotland saw significant snowfall, leading to travel delays and school closures. In addition, the UK Health Security Agency extended its cold health alert, urging people to take precautions.
The storm also caused a bus crash in Kent, where a school bus slipped on black ice, though there were no reported injuries. Later in Reading, a school coach collided with a bus due to icy roads. The Met Office anticipates more disruptions on Thursday and Friday as the storm continues.
Travel Warnings and School Closures
The snow caused travel disruptions, particularly in northern Scotland. National Rail warned passengers to check their journeys before traveling. The icy conditions made driving hazardous, and many roads were blocked by snow.
In Shetland, Orkney, and Aberdeenshire, hundreds of schools were closed. Parents and children faced difficulties due to the freezing weather, making travel unsafe.
Wildlife Enjoys the Snowy Conditions
Despite the challenges, some wildlife thrived in the heavy snow. At Kincraig Wildlife Park in the Highlands, polar bears and snow leopards were seen enjoying the snowy environment. These animals are adapted to cold conditions and were able to roam freely in the wintery landscape.
