Brits hit by emergency alert as Met Office issues rare red Storm Goretti warning | Weather | News

Emergency alerts have been issued to people in areas at highest risk of Storm Goretti, sending loud sounds from Brits’ mobile phones. The Cabinet Office will issue two of the warnings, which will affect nearly half a million people. This is the fifth time emergency alerts have been used this way.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for “dangerous, gusty” winds for South West England, with Storm Goretti expected to bring winds of 160mph. 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.

People should expect damage to buildings and homes, very large waves, life-threatening debris, power outages and cancellation of public transportation.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “The Met Office has issued a red alert for the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall from 4pm to 11pm on Thursday 8 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 to people in the Isles of Scilly at around 3pm on Thursday, January 8th. The second will be sent to people in Cornwall at around 5pm on Thursday, January 8th.

“The Emergency Alert system will send a message to all compatible mobile phones in affected areas with information about the red alert and guidance on how to stay safe.

“Compatible cell phones emit a loud siren-like sound even when set to silent. The sound and vibration last for approximately 10 seconds.”