The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings for Thursday and Friday as Storm Goretti arrives, according to an announcement from the water company Hafren Dyfrdwy on 8 January 20261. Storm Goretti was named as the first storm of the year by French forecasters and is set to bring snow, ice, rain and winds to the region1. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its amber cold health alerts across England until midday on Sunday1.
Hafren Dyfrdwy, which provides a water only service in Wrexham and parts of Denbighshire and Flintshire and both a water and wastewater service in Powys, said its teams are prepared to manage any storm-related incidents1. Scott Ludford, from the company's Network Control team, said:
"Storm Goretti is predicted to bring snow, rain, ice and strong winds across parts of the region, and we know how distressing bad weather and any form of flooding can be, so we are issuing advice again so people know who to contact if the worse happens and how to be prepared for the cold snap."
The company set out who customers should contact about flooding. It said people should contact their local council to report flooding on roads or blocked drains or grates on highways, and that councils will also help with groundwater surface flooding and flooding in streams, brooks and small rivers1. Natural Resources Wales will help those at risk of flooding due to rising river levels1. For flooding from the public sewer, customers should contact the water company, and should also contact their insurer for help and advice; where flooding is due to heavy rain, the company said it may need to wait for the flood water to subside before it can investigate1.
On protecting pipes, the company advised wrapping all pipework, fittings and storage tanks in unheated areas of the home, such as lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages, with insulation, and said outside taps should either be insulated or drained down to the pipework that links to the tap1. It also advised emptying water butts before the rain starts, checking that home and garden drains are free-flowing, and clearing leaves or debris from roadside drains where possible, contacting the local council if they are blocked1.
Why it matters for households
The warnings cover Thursday and Friday, and the amber cold health alerts across England run until midday on Sunday1. Households in the Hafren Dyfrdwy area, covering Wrexham, parts of Denbighshire and Flintshire, and Powys, are affected by the company's flooding and pipe advice1. The company's guidance sets out which body to contact depending on the source of any flooding, and its pipe advice is aimed at preventing burst pipes and protecting water supply1. The UKHSA amber cold health alerts indicate health risks from the cold across England over the same period1.
What happens next
The snow and ice warnings are in place for Thursday and Friday, and the amber cold health alerts until midday on Sunday1. Hafren Dyfrdwy said its teams are prepared to manage any storm-related incidents1. No further timetable has been reported.
For household preparation, see Storms, Snow and Ice: A Household Guide, Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather and Ice and Met Office Weather Warnings: Yellow, Amber and Red Explained.
Snow and Ice Household Guide
Winter Home Preparation
