Storm Goretti has ravaged the UK with furious winds and snow, leaving tens of thousands without power, causing widespread disruption to travel and school closures across the country. The Met Office issued a rare red warning for "dangerous, stormy" winds in the south-west, with gusts reaching 99mph in some areas.
The worst of the weather has hit the West Midlands, where officials warned of the "worst snowfall in a decade", with 5-10cm of snow on Friday and up to 15-25cm in some areas. The council said it was facing its worst snowfall in over a decade, with predictions suggesting temperatures as low as -4C on Thursday into Friday morning.
As the storm intensified, airports began to reopen, but many flights were disrupted or cancelled due to the treacherous conditions. Birmingham airport reopened with a reduced service, urging passengers to check the status of their flight before heading to the airport.
The ferry operator DFDS said all its sailings between Dover and France were disrupted, while schools across Scotland remained closed for a fifth day as the country grappled with ongoing wintry weather. The Met Office issued a yellow warning of snow and ice covering much of Scotland, with over 250 schools expected to remain shut on Friday.
Power cuts plagued many areas, with over 43,000 properties left without electricity in the south-west, according to National Grid's website. In the East Midlands, around 450 addresses were also without power heading into Friday morning.
As the storm begins to subside, officials are bracing for more severe weather as the system moves eastward. The Met Office warned of "unstable" conditions and said people should be prepared for further disruption.
The nation is struggling to cope with the relentless snowfall, which has left many areas feeling like a war zone. Emergency services are stretched thin, while council workers struggle to keep up with fallen trees and power lines.
The worst of the weather has hit the West Midlands, where officials warned of the "worst snowfall in a decade", with 5-10cm of snow on Friday and up to 15-25cm in some areas. The council said it was facing its worst snowfall in over a decade, with predictions suggesting temperatures as low as -4C on Thursday into Friday morning.
As the storm intensified, airports began to reopen, but many flights were disrupted or cancelled due to the treacherous conditions. Birmingham airport reopened with a reduced service, urging passengers to check the status of their flight before heading to the airport.
The ferry operator DFDS said all its sailings between Dover and France were disrupted, while schools across Scotland remained closed for a fifth day as the country grappled with ongoing wintry weather. The Met Office issued a yellow warning of snow and ice covering much of Scotland, with over 250 schools expected to remain shut on Friday.
Power cuts plagued many areas, with over 43,000 properties left without electricity in the south-west, according to National Grid's website. In the East Midlands, around 450 addresses were also without power heading into Friday morning.
As the storm begins to subside, officials are bracing for more severe weather as the system moves eastward. The Met Office warned of "unstable" conditions and said people should be prepared for further disruption.
The nation is struggling to cope with the relentless snowfall, which has left many areas feeling like a war zone. Emergency services are stretched thin, while council workers struggle to keep up with fallen trees and power lines.
I'm low-key worried about our old folk out there in the West Midlands, they're getting slammed with snow and it's already been over 10cm in some areas 
. The roads are gonna be a nightmare when the sun comes out again and we all need to make sure our elderly neighbors are good to go 
. And can we talk about airports? I've got family coming in from Europe soon and I'm still checking the flight status every hour, stress levels are through the roof 
. The power cuts are also a huge concern, how are people supposed to stay warm when it's -4C outside 
?! We need some serious backup from the council ASAP 
. And schools closing for days? That's a big deal, especially for kids who need to focus on their studies 
. I just hope everyone stays safe and warm till this storm passes 
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, we need to take a step back and assess how we can better prepare ourselves for extreme weather events like this. We can't keep relying on luck or chance to get us through – we need to be proactive about our safety and well-being 
. The thought of driving around in all that snow is just terrifying... I mean, who needs 99mph winds? 
The UK's getting battered, and it's hard not to worry about those who are stuck without power or heat 
. School closures are a big deal, too - hope the kids stay safe and warm 
️. It's like, just when we thought winter was over... 
I'm just hoping everyone stays safe and that the road crews can clear things up soon 
hoping everyone stays safe and warm until this storm passes 
. The council is doing their best, but it's like they're fighting an uphill battle against Mother Nature.
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. But I guess this means I get to catch up on some reading 
(just kidding, sort of). Seriously though, can't wait for this winter wonderland to pass and for normalcy to return 
. And can you believe the flights got cancelled? 
️. I hope everyone stays safe and warm during this stormy weather 
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️. But at the same time, I think we need to acknowledge that this storm might be a wake-up call for people in the UK to get their acts together when it comes to winter preparedness 
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. i'm just glad schools in scotland got some extra time off 
. its not ideal weather tho 
I feel so bad for everyone in the UK who's been hit by this crazy storm! The thought of 43k properties without power is just heartbreaking 
. On the other hand, I do hope they get some proper support from the authorities & emergency services soon 
. It's not exactly the best weather for gettin' out and about anyway 
. And those schools in Scotland still closed after a week? poor kids missing out on learning 
. The council workers must be working day and night to keep up with the fallen trees and power lines, I'm sending them all my positive vibes 
. I was stuck at home with my lights out for days back then and couldn't even get to school, let alone travel 
. The snow's so deep in some places, it's like a giant blanket covering the whole area 
!