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Severe Storm Goretti Batters the UK – Record Winds Reported

Published January 9, 2026, 08:03
Severe Storm Goretti Batters the UK – Record Winds Reported

The United Kingdom is being battered by severe weather as Storm Goretti brings extreme phenomena such as torrential rain, gale-force winds, snowfall, and frost. Record wind speeds of 159 km/h were recorded in the Channel Islands. Over 500,000 citizens were warned via SMS about the danger, while more than 70,000 households were left without power. Significant disruptions are being observed in transportation, with Birmingham Airport suspending flights due to snowfall. A state of emergency has been declared in Jersey, while authorities in Guernsey have urged residents to stay home. The weather has led to the precautionary suspension of dozens of schools in the Midlands and Wales, as further snowfall is expected. Authorities have issued warnings about the risk to life due to the extreme weather conditions. The situation remains critical, with emergency services on high alert to deal with the consequences of the storm and assist those affected.