The Met Office updated its amber wind warning for the Isles of Scilly and parts of Cornwall on 8 January 2026, valid from 16:00 to 23:00 that day1. The warning sits within a wider "multi-hazard" event from Storm Goretti, a deep area of low pressure crossing the south of the UK through Thursday and into Friday1.
The Met Office says the strongest winds in the UK from this system are expected in the west of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where gusts could reach up to 100mph in exposed coastal locations under the amber warning, and that very large waves will bring dangerous conditions to coastal areas1. It describes these as exceptional wind speeds that could be stronger than other storms in recent memory such as Storm Ciaran in 2023 and Storm Eunice in 20221. Strong winds with gusts of 50-60mph will affect the far southwest of Wales and other parts of southern England, especially exposed coasts and hills1. Even stronger winds are expected in the Channel Islands and northern France, which is why the storm was named by Météo-France rather than from the Met Office storm list1.
A separate amber warning for snow covers most of Wales, the Midlands and southern parts of northern England, with 10-15cm likely widely and 20-30cm possible in some places, especially higher ground in Wales and the Peak District1. Numerous yellow warnings for wind, snow and rain are in place across different regions of England and Wales, and rain is an additional hazard, particularly for parts of southwest Wales and eastern England1.
| Hazard | Area | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Amber wind | West of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly | 16:00 to 23:00 Thursday; gusts up to 100mph in exposed coastal locations |
| Amber snow | Most of Wales, the Midlands, southern parts of northern England | 10-15cm widely; 20-30cm possible, especially higher ground |
| Yellow wind, snow and rain | Various regions of England and Wales | Numerous warnings issued |
| Cold health alerts | All regions of England | UKHSA amber alerts until 12 January |
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said:
"This is a complex spell of severe weather and I'd advise people in the warning areas to keep up to date with the forecast and messages from local authorities."
Temperatures fell to -14.7°C at Tomintoul, Banffshire, overnight on 7 to 8 January, and the Met Office says temperatures will once again drop overnight, widely below freezing, with lows of -12°C or lower possible in areas of lying snow1. UKHSA amber cold weather health alerts are in place for all regions of England until 12 January1.
Why it matters for households
Households in west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly face the most severe winds in the UK from this system during Thursday afternoon and evening, with the Met Office warning of dangerous coastal conditions from very large waves1. Those in Wales, the Midlands and southern parts of northern England face disruption from heavy snow, and the Met Office says travel disruption is likely, with train and bus routes affected and tricky conditions on many roads1. Rain may bring further disruption in the south of England, particularly Thursday night into Friday morning1. The Met Office's weather warnings guide explains the difference between yellow, amber and red warnings, and households can find out how to receive alerts directly in the guide to signing up for Met Office weather alerts. The Met Office's WeatherReady campaign offers practical advice to help prepare your home, garden and daily routines for winter weather1. RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said the amber warnings for snow must be heeded by drivers, and that people may want to consider avoiding driving overnight from Thursday into Friday or bringing journeys forward to avoid being stuck in the worst weather; those who have to drive need to be confident on potentially slippery surfaces, have ensured their vehicles are up to the task, and be carrying an emergency breakdown kit so they can stay warm and communicate easily if they get stuck or break down1.
What happens next
Storm Goretti's influence will wane on Friday evening as the system moves east of England, with a short-lived calmer interlude for many on Saturday1. Further unsettled weather moves in from the west by Sunday, bringing a risk of further widespread snowfall and strong winds in the north and rain further south, with uncertainty in the detail1. The Met Office says further warnings are likely to be issued for continued wintry conditions, and that milder air is expected to push across the UK next week, ending the current cold spell1. More on winter preparation is in the storms and snow section.
Met Office Weather Warnings
