Storm Goretti Sparks Red Alert as Wind Warning Upgraded For Cornwall

Published On: 8 January 2026Last Updated: 8 January 2026By CornishStuff

A red weather warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office as Storm Goretti moves in, bringing what are described as dangerous stormy conditions to parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The warning is in force from 4pm until 11pm today, Thursday 8th January 2026.

What is expected this evening

Storm Goretti is forecast to bring a period of exceptionally strong northwesterly winds, with peak gusts of 80 to 100mph or more in exposed areas.

Winds are expected to increase rapidly from around 30 to 40mph, with violent gusts lasting for around two to three hours before easing. Even after this period, strong winds are expected to continue, with a broader yellow warning remaining in place until Friday morning.

The Met Office says the conditions could lead to:

Damage to buildings and homes, including roofs being blown off and power lines brought down
Flying debris posing a danger to life
Road, bridge and railway closures, along with delays and cancellations to buses, trains, ferries and flights
Power cuts affecting other services, including mobile phone coverage
Very large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes

Very large waves are also expected to bring dangerous conditions to some coastal areas.

Safety advice from the Met Office

People are being urged to take the warning seriously and avoid unnecessary travel.

It is not safe to drive in these conditions. Staying indoors is advised where possible, as being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury.

Residents are advised to check for loose items outside their homes, but only if it can be done safely. This includes bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.

Preparing for potential power cuts is also recommended. This can include having torches, spare batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items ready in advance.

Those who live or work near the coast are warned to stay well back from the shoreline. Large breaking waves can sweep people off their feet and out to sea. In an emergency, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Why the warning is red

The Met Office says the warning has been issued because the storm has both a high likelihood and a high impact, meaning dangerous conditions are expected and could cause significant disruption and damage.

People are advised to stay up to date with the latest weather forecast for their area and to follow advice from emergency services and local authorities as the storm moves through this evening.

South West England weather forecast

Headline:

Storm Goretti brings heavy rain and strong winds.

Today:

Early bright spells give way to increasingly unsettled conditions from the southwest as Storm Goretti arrives, bringing heavy rain, hill snow, strong winds, and severe coastal gales in places. Milder. Maximum temperature 10 °C.

Tonight:

Unsettled with heavy rain and hill snow continuing this evening. Snow becoming more widespread through the night and reaching down to lower levels in the east. Gales continuing. Minimum temperature 1 °C.

Friday:

Early rain, sleet and hill snow associated with Storm Goretti soon clearing eastwards, leaving largely cloudy skies and showers behind, some of these wintry over the Moors. Staying blustery. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

A cold weekend with overnight frost. Mostly dry and bright on Saturday and to start on Sunday. Further rain and strong winds arriving by Sunday afternoon into Monday.

Updated: 04:00 (UTC) on Thu 8 Jan 2026