Thousands in the South West are without power as Storm Goretti causes chaos
Disruption continues with power cuts, travel delays and school closures reported
Storm Goretti is bringing severe disruption across the UK, leaving tens of thousands of people without electricity, halting travel services, and causing school closures.
The South West has been particularly impacted, with winds of up to 99mph recorded at St Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly, setting a new record for the site.
More than 43,000 homes in the South West lost power as of 6am on Friday, according to the National Grid.
Over 14,000 properties lost electricity in the West Midlands, 530 in Wales, and around 450 in the East Midlands. National Grid said electricity in the South West is expected to be restored by 8am.
Transport disruption across the South West
Travel services remain heavily disrupted. Train services in Cornwall were suspended from 6pm on Thursday, while routes from Exeter to Okehampton and Exeter to Barnstaple were halted due to forecast high winds.
The A30 in Cornwall remains closed in both directions between Longrock and St Erth due to fallen trees blocking the road. Devon and Cornwall Police are assisting with the clearance.
National Highways warned drivers across the South West to be cautious about dangerous travel conditions.
Warnings and forecasts
The Met Office issued various warnings for weather hazards across the country, including snow, wind, rain, and ice.
A rare red warning for wind was in force until 11pm on Thursday in the far South West, cautioning against flying debris and large waves that posed danger to life, alongside disruptions to power and transport.
The Met Office said amber warnings for snow in parts of Wales, the Midlands, and Yorkshire would remain until 9am on Friday, with up to 30cm of snowfall in higher regions.
Yellow warnings were also in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland, Bath, and Northumberland. Neil Armstrong, chief forecaster, described the storm as a "multi-hazard event" with the strongest winds in the South West and heavy rainfall in Wales and East Anglia.
Schools affected
Dozens of schools across Wales and the Midlands decided to close on Friday due to the adverse weather conditions associated with the amber warnings in those areas.
The South West continues to bear the brunt of Storm Goretti as authorities encourage residents to remain cautious amidst ongoing disruptions.