Met Office issues red ‘Danger to life’ warning as Storm Goretti nears UK

By Iain McLean

Image from Met Office website

The Met Office has warned that powerful winds will hit Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, resulting in likely damage to buildings and homes.

The warning, which was issued just after 2pm will be in place from 4pm to 11pm.

They explained that Storm Goretti is an example of a “weather bomb” - a rapidly intensifying low-pressure storm where central pressure drops significantly (typically > 24 millibars in 24 hours)

The Met also warned that the storm will result in wind in parts of Cornwall and Scilly will reach up to 100mph resulting in “flying debris, bring power lines down and resulting in a danger to life.” The wind speeds could be “stronger than other storms in recent memory.”

Advice was also given to those from coastal areas, warning of dangerous waves that will bring “additional hazards and to remain indoors.”

Newquay Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said: “residents can expect roofs to be blown off. Roads, bridges and railway lines closed. Flying debris resulting in danger to life and power cuts affecting services such as mobile phone coverage.”

National rail announced that all trains are to be suspended from 6pm this evening across effected areas.

The Channel Islands are also expected to be pummelled by “even stronger winds, with gusts of 50-60mph but are not included in the red warning.”

A red warning is extremely rare and has only been issued a few times in recent years and is only issued in results of dangerous, potentially life-threatening weather is expected imminently and you should immediately take action to keep yourself and others safe.