Schools in Cornwall close as Storm Goretti approaches UK

Almost 100 schools have closed early in Cornwall as Storm Goretti approaches south-west England.

Named by France's national weather service, Goretti is the first official storm of 2026. It carries a red weather warning and is expected to bring snowfall and strong winds to the UK later today.

The red warning advises people to stay indoors. Less dangerous yellow weather warnings are in place for all four nations of the UK - as well as more serious amber warnings for some parts of England and Wales.

Those affected by the red weather warning will receive alerts from the government on their phones.

It follows on from lots of cold and frosty weather that many places have already experienced over the past week.

So, what's the situation around the UK and how will they be affected by the latest storm? Keep reading to find out.

In Cornwall 100 schools closed early on Thursday.

Newquay's Royal National Lifeboat Institution has said roofs could be blown off and warns people to take care if they leave their homes.

Roads, bridges and railway lines may also close, they said, while flying debris could be dangerous. Power cuts could also affect mobile phone coverage.

Cornwall Council says exposed coastal areas will be particularly dangerous due to "large waves and strong winds".

The Met Office - the UK's national weather service - has issued a red weather warning for wind, with experts predicting that parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly could see winds of up to 90mph on Thursday evening.

People living in these areas are receiving alerts on their phones, giving them advice on how to stay safe.

The warnings are being sent to smart phones and come through as a 'loud siren-like sound', lasting for around ten seconds, even if the phone is on silent.

Those on the Isles of Scilly with compatible phones heard the alert at 15:00 on Thursday 8 January, and the second will be sent to people in Cornwall at 17:00.

There is also widespread snow expected across England, as the rain meets the colder Artic air that has been in place over the past week.

The largest snowfall is expected across parts of the Midlands and central England - which are under an amber weather warning for snow - with up to 30cm expected in some areas.

Heavy rain could also bring some localised flooding to parts of Eastern England.

Wales is also expected to see some heavy snowfall and rain, with large parts of the country under yellow and amber weather warnings.

Heavy rain could bring some flooding to parts of south-west Wales, while mid and east Wales will see the biggest chance of widespread snow, especially in more hilly regions overnight from Thursday evening into Friday morning.

Experts warn the snow will "likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions".

Network Rail and Transport for Wales said there would be "service alterations" and parts of the rail network would close from Thursday afternoon for passenger safety.

Scotland has already seen some of the coldest and frostiest weather in the UK this year, and forecasters say that snow and ice are likely to continue - with a yellow warning in place for most of the country.

However, any snowfall is expected to be less severe than in recent days.

Thousands of pupils are set to return to the classroom after severe weather delayed the start of the new term although some schools in Scotland will remain closed for the time being.

Parts of Northern Ireland have had loads of snow already this week.

But the country is set to escape the worst of Storm Goretti.

However there are further yellow weather warnings for ice across the whole country, as low temperatures continue.

The snow and icy conditions have also caused widespread problems across many countries in Europe.

Thousands of people stranded at airports in Amsterdam and Paris as hundreds of flights were cancelled.

Temperatures have also plummeted, with -24 degrees Celsius recorded overnight in the Alps.

Storm Goretti was named by French forecasters, as the majority of the bad weather is expected to be felt in the country.

Almost half of France has been put on alert for heavy snow and black ice, with lorries banned from the roads in some areas.

And in the capital Paris, rare recent heavy snowfall blanketed the city's famous monuments and streets.