Extreme weather in some areas are likely to cause damage to buildings and homes
The Met Office has issued its most severe weather warning to half a million UK phones as Storm Goretti approaches the coast this evening. Emergency alerts were broadcast to mobile devices across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, triggering a loud alarm to warn residents of the imminent arrival of “dangerous stormy winds.”
This red alert—the highest possible level—signifies an exceptional weather event with the potential to cause significant disruption and immediate safety risks.
Forecasters warn that powerful winds in the region are likely to cause structural damage to buildings and bring down power lines. The alert highlights a severe “danger to life” from flying debris as the high-level weather system moves toward the region, the Mirror reports.
Residents in the impacted areas have been urged to take immediate precautions and follow official safety guidance as the most intense conditions develop throughout the evening.
The alert highlights a significant “danger to life” from flying debris and falling infrastructure as the storm makes landfall. Residents have been urged to take immediate precautions as the most intense conditions are expected to hit during the overnight hours.
On Thursday the Met Office described Goretti, the first named storm of 2026, as a “multi-hazard event” set to be more powerful than Storm Ciarán in 2023 and the Great Storm of 1987. The storm is an example of a ” weather bomb”, which is the unofficial term for a low pressure system that can see violent winds around it.
The unusual red warning kicks in at 16:00 and lasts until 23:00., with forecasters expecting travel to be severely disrupted, with power cuts affecting other services like mobile phones.
The public are now being urged to stay inside, stay away from the coast, and take action to protect themselves. A red weather warning is the most severe Met Office warning and is only be issued in the most extreme circumstances.
A Cabinet Office Spokesperson said: “The Met Office has issued a red warning for the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall from 16:00 hrs until 23:00 hrs on Thursday 8th January.
“In light of the damaging winds and associated disruption, the Cabinet Office is issuing two Emergency Alerts to people in affected areas. The first was sent at approximately 15:00 hrs on Thursday 8th January to people in the Isles of Scilly. The second will be sent at approximately 17:00 hrs on Thursday 8th January to people in Cornwall.
“The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe. Compatible mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from local authorities, the emergency services, and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”
