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What do the warning colours mean?
Red warning
- Dangerous weather is expected and, if you have not done so already, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather.
- It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
Amber warning
- There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans.
- This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.
Yellow warning
- Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations.
- It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the warning.
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UK weather warnings
Amber warning
Wind
17:00
Tomorrow
UTC
23:00
Tomorrow
Storm Goretti may bring a spell of very strong winds for a time on Thursday evening, with a risk of damage and disruption
What should I expect?
- Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
- Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
- Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
- Some roads and bridges likely to close
- There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties
What should I do?
Further detail
Storm Goretti may bring a short period of exceptionally strong northwesterly winds to the Isles of Scilly and parts of Cornwall on Thursday evening, with peak gusts potentially of 80-90 mph in exposed areas. This will depend on the exact track of Storm Goretti, and should the low pressure system track further south then the risk of these very strong winds would reduce.
This system has been named by Meteo France as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France.
What Should I Do?
Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions; drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual.
Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
Why is the warning amber?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a medium impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
South West England
Amber warning
Snow
20:00
Tomorrow
UTC
09:00
Fri 9
Heavy snow, associated with Storm Goretti, is likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions Thursday night into Friday
What should I expect?
- Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely
- There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off
- Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
What should I do?
Further detail
Rain associated with Storm Goretti will turn readily to heavy snow on Thursday evening, initially on hills and then to lower levels overnight, before easing through the course of Friday morning. Accumulations of 10-15 cm are likely fairly widely, with the potential for 20-30 cm in some locations, mainly on hills above 200 m elevation, more especially in Wales and/or the Peak District. Snow will ease through the course of Friday morning, turning more to rain or sleet at times at low levels, but disruption is likely to persist into Friday after snow stops falling. There is some uncertainty over the exact track of Storm Goretti, which will influence the locations most likely to see disruptive snow, and it is possible this warning may be updated.
The low pressure system has been named by Meteo France, as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France.
What Should I Do?
It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe. If you must drive, do this more safely by: using dipped headlights; accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears as quickly as possible; starting in second gear to help with wheel slip; maintaining a safe and steady speed, keeping distance from other vehicles; using a low gear to go downhill, avoiding braking unless necessary; steering into skids, not taking your hands off the wheel, and avoiding slamming on brakes.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If isolated due to snow, follow these simple steps to keep safe and well: keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night; turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed; ensure pets are safe by keeping them warm and comfortable; prevent frozen pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing; stay indoors, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in; and, if you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651.
Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.
Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
Why is the warning amber?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a medium impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
East Midlands
South West England
Wales
West Midlands
Yorkshire & Humber
Yellow warning
Snow & ice
00:00
Today
UTC
23:59
Today
Snow and ice is likely to bring further disruption on Wednesday.
What should I expect?
- Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel
- Some rural communities could become cut off
- Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable
What should I do?
Further detail
An area of snow is likely to persist across northern Scotland during Wednesday, spreading down the east coast through the day. This falling as rain or sleet at low elevations, especially around coasts, but is likely to fall on to frozen surfaces, bringing the potential for widespread icy conditions to continue.
A further 5-10 cm of snow is likely to fall fairly widely over higher ground above 100 m, but there is a chance some areas above 200 m could see a further 20 cm. Strong winds could lead to continued drifting or blowing snow in places. Accumulations over lower elevations, coastal areas, and over Orkney and Harris are expected to be lower, but ice is expected to remain a hazard on Wednesday morning and again on Wednesday night, particularly where snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself
and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if
necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier
than normal to reduce your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a low likelihood and a medium impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Central, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Orkney & Shetland
Yellow warning
Snow & ice
22:00
Today
UTC
12:00
Tomorrow
Snow and ice are likely to cause further disruption overnight Wednesday through Thursday morning.
What should I expect?
- Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
What should I do?
Further detail
Ice will develop fairly widely on Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with partially thawed lying snow refreezing readily. In addition, wintry showers across Orkney and northeast Scotland will slowly clear away to the east, whilst a new band of mainly light rain, sleet and snow will arrive from the west.
Snow will fall to low levels at first away from coasts before becoming confined to ground above around 300 metres. 1-2 cm of fresh snow accumulations are possible in places, with 2-5cm of fresh snow accumulations on ground above 200-300 metres, mainly in western Scotland and hills northern England.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself
and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if
necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier
than normal to reduce your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Central, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
Highlands & Eilean Siar
North East England
North West England
Orkney & Shetland
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Strathclyde
Yellow warning
Ice
00:00
Tomorrow
UTC
10:00
Tomorrow
Ice will readily form on untreated surfaces tonight bringing a risk of some disruption.
What should I expect?
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
What should I do?
Further detail
After a band of rain clears through on Wednesday evening, clearing skies will allow temperatures to fall rapidly bringing an ice risk overnight, especially on untreated surfaces.
A few showers will also persist across counties Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh, adding to the ice risk in these areas with rain falling on frozen ground.
What Should I Do?
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.
If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Northern Ireland
Yellow warning
Rain
12:00
Tomorrow
UTC
10:00
Fri 9
Storm Goretti will bring a spell of heavy rain and hill snow on Thursday and Thursday night, perhaps leading to some flooding in places
What should I expect?
- Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible
- Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
- Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
- Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely
What should I do?
Further detail
Outbreaks of rain will become persistent and heavy through Thursday afternoon, evening and night, before easing and clearing to the east by Friday morning. Heavy showers will follow for a time on Friday morning. Whilst this may fall as snow over hills, covered by a separate snow warning, rain accumulations of 20-40 mm are possible, with perhaps as much as 60 mm in a few places. This, combined with snow melt, may lead to some surface water flooding.
What Should I Do?
Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Wales
Yellow warning
Wind
15:00
Tomorrow
UTC
06:00
Fri 9
Storm Goretti will bring a spell of strong winds later on Thursday and into Thursday night, which may lead to some disruption
What should I expect?
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
What should I do?
Further detail
As Storm Goretti approaches, winds will strengthen through Thursday afternoon, with the strongest spell of winds during Thursday evening, with peak gusts of 50-60 mph likely fairly widely, and 60-70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. Depending on the exact track of Storm Goretti, there is a chance that the Isles of Scilly and south and west Cornwall could experience a short period of exceptionally strong northwesterly winds, with gusts potentially of 80-90 mph. Winds will gradually ease through the early hours of Friday.
This system has been named by Meteo France as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France.
What Should I Do?
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a low likelihood and a medium impact.
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Last updated
Reason: Warning likelihood increased, with the area expanded to include more of south and southwest England, and end time extended into the early hours of Friday.
Regions and local authorities affected:
London & South East England
South West England
Wales
Yellow warning
Snow
17:00
Tomorrow
UTC
12:00
Fri 9
Storm Goretti is likely to bring heavy snow leading to disruption and difficult travelling conditions later Thursday and into Friday
What should I expect?
- Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel
- Some rural communities could become cut off
- Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
What should I do?
Further detail
Rain, associated with Storm Goretti, will spread northeastwards across the warning area through Thursday afternoon and evening, transitioning to snow fairly widely overnight and into Friday. Snow initially will begin to accumulate across hills in Wales and then increasingly to lower levels overnight. Whilst not all areas may see accumulating snow, accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely quite widely, with scope for 15-25 cm in places, especially on some hills above 200 metres elevation. There is a chance of 30 cm accumulating over high ground in Wales and/or the Peak District.
There is some uncertainty over the exact track of Storm Goretti, which will influence the locations most likely to see disruptive snow. Amounts of snow will also depend quite heavily on both elevation and the intensity of precipitation, and as this becomes somewhat lighter into Friday this will lead to an awkward mix of rain, sleet and snow, gradually clearing away to the east. Therefore there is likely to be a lot of variation, even over relatively short distances.
The low pressure system has been named by Meteo France, as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a low likelihood and a medium impact.
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Last updated
Reason: Warning area expanded to include more parts of Wales and northern England, start time also brought forward.
Regions and local authorities affected:
East Midlands
East of England
London & South East England
North East England
North West England
South West England
Wales
West Midlands
Yorkshire & Humber
Yellow warning
Snow
20:00
Tomorrow
UTC
09:00
Fri 9
Storm Goretti will bring a spell of snow Thursday night into Friday morning, which may cause some disruption
What should I expect?
- Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
What should I do?
Further detail
Rain associated with Storm Goretti will likely turn to snow in places through Thursday night, persisting for several hours before turning back to rain. Accumulations of 2-5 cm are expected above 200 m elevation, with perhaps as much as 10 cm on the highest ground of Dartmoor and Exmoor. The rain, sleet and snow will gradually ease into Friday morning.
At low levels precipitation will be a mix of rain, sleet and snow which could lead to some small snow accumulations in places.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.
If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
South West England
Yellow warning
Rain
18:00
Tomorrow
UTC
21:00
Fri 9
Heavy and persistent rain through Thursday night into Friday may lead to some flooding and disruption
What should I expect?
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads
- Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
- There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
What should I do?
Further detail
Outbreaks of rain will arrive from the south on Thursday evening then persist overnight and through Friday, heavy at times, before slowly easing during Friday evening. 20-30 mm rainfall is likely quite widely, with a small chance of 40-60 mm in a few places, leading to the chance of some flooding and disruption. In addition, rain may turn to sleet or wet snow at times which may lead to some accumulations in places, more especially over inland parts of Lincolnshire.
Strong winds, especially near coasts, will be an additional hazard with winds gusting 40-50 mph at times and leading to large waves through Friday.
What Should I Do?
Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a very low likelihood and a medium impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
East Midlands
East of England
Yorkshire & Humber
Warnings are in force for:
Follow alerts in the app