Key Takeaways:
- The UK is experiencing severe weather conditions due to Storm Goretti, with wet, windy, and wintry weather expected in parts of the country.
- The storm is expected to bring strong winds and significant snow to central and southern parts of the UK.
- Amber cold health alerts have been issued for England, and cold weather payments have been triggered in over 400 postcodes.
- The severe weather has caused disruption to transport services, and hospitals are coming under intense pressure.
- Experts advise against cranking up the thermostat to warm homes faster, as it can lead to increased energy bills without making a significant difference.
Introduction to Storm Goretti
The UK is bracing itself for severe weather conditions as Storm Goretti is expected to bring wet, windy, and wintry weather to parts of the country. The storm has been named by Meteo France, as the brunt of the bad weather is expected to be felt in France. The name Goretti is derived from an Italian virgin saint of particular importance to the Catholic church. The Met Office has issued a warning for the storm, which is expected to bring strong winds and significant snow to central and southern parts of the UK.
Impact on the UK
The severe weather has already caused disruption to transport services, with nearly 700 flights cancelled at Amsterdam Schiphol airport due to snow, ice, and high winds. The airport’s de-icing infrastructure has been overwhelmed, leading to a critical shortage of de-icing fluid. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended amber cold health alerts for England, warning that the adverse temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, particularly those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Weather Warnings and Alerts
The Met Office has issued a warning for the storm, which is expected to bring strong winds and significant snow to central and southern parts of the UK. The UKHSA has extended amber cold health alerts for England, which will run until Sunday. Cold weather payments have been triggered in over 400 postcodes, and residents are advised to check if they are eligible for the payment. The severe weather has also caused hospitals to come under intense pressure, with health secretary Wes Streeting warning that the NHS is facing significant challenges.
Expert Advice
Heating experts have warned against cranking up the thermostat to warm homes faster, as it can lead to increased energy bills without making a significant difference. Instead, experts advise keeping the thermostat at a consistent temperature to maintain a warm and comfortable home. Additionally, residents are advised to check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those who are most at risk from the cold weather.
Regional Impact
Aberdeenshire has been particularly affected by the severe weather, with some areas experiencing the worst winter in 25 years. The village of Insch has seen 30cm of snow, with drifts reaching as high as 50cm on Tuesday. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary, as the storm continues to cause disruption to transport services.
Conclusion
The UK is experiencing severe weather conditions due to Storm Goretti, with wet, windy, and wintry weather expected in parts of the country. The storm has already caused disruption to transport services, and hospitals are coming under intense pressure. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe, and to check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors. By following expert advice and staying informed about the latest weather warnings and alerts, residents can minimize the impact of the storm and stay safe until the weather improves.