What is a red weather warning? Met Office issues rare alert as Storm Goretti hits
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for “dangerous, gusty” winds for south-west England, with Storm Goretti set to bring winds of 100mph.
The warning, issued between 16.00 and 23.00 on Thursday, states that “high winds” will hit parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for two to three hours.
Wind gusts of 80-100 mph or higher are also expected in open areas, the forecaster said.
The warning states that people should be prepared for situations such as damage to buildings and homes, very large waves, life-threatening debris, power outages and cancellation of public transportation.
According to the Met Office, red weather warnings are used for “very dangerous weather with a high degree of certainty.”
“You must take direct action to protect yourself and others from the effects of weather.
“A risk to life is very likely, with serious disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
“You should avoid travel where possible and follow the advice of emergency services and local authorities.”
The storm, named by French weather forecaster Meteo France, was described as a “multi-hazard event” by the Met Office, with up to 30cm of snow possible in parts of the UK.
Weather warnings for snow, wind, rain and ice have been issued across the country ahead of possible “disruption and hazardous travel conditions”.
A separate yellow wind warning has also been issued for the entire south coast, where winds of up to 60 miles per hour are forecast.
Meanwhile, a yellow snow warning covers parts of Wales, the Midlands and South Yorkshire from 8pm to 9am on Friday.
The Met Office said storm-related rain in these areas would turn to “heavy snow”, which could lead to communications disruption for some rural communities.
Around 10-15cm of snow is expected to fall across the warning area, with up to 30cm at higher elevations in Wales and the Peak District.
There is a yellow warning for snow across wider parts of England from 5pm to noon on Friday, from Northumberland to Wiltshire, and a snow and ice warning is in place in Scotland from 10pm to noon.
