Thousands of properties are facing power outages in the UK due to Storm Goretti, which has prompted a rare red warning for severe and stormy winds.
The Met Office has alerted about the likelihood of “violent gusts” hitting regions of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, posing a potential threat to life. St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly has already recorded winds of 99mph, setting a new site record, according to the forecaster.
By 9pm, over 47,000 properties in the South West were without electricity, with additional power cuts affecting more than 5,000 households in the West Midlands and 2,000 in Wales. The number of properties without power in the South West had escalated to over 51,000 by 10pm.
National Grid emphasized that while the electricity network is designed to be resilient, extreme weather conditions can disrupt power supplies. The impact of high winds and icy conditions on equipment may lead to faults. The company assured preparedness with extra teams on standby to swiftly address any storm-related issues, prioritizing safety.
Roisin Quinn, field operations director, highlighted the network’s resilience and readiness to respond promptly to Storm Goretti’s aftermath. The teams are prepared to offer support and ensure quick restoration of power in case of outages.
Cornwall Council is advising residents to remain indoors due to the hazardous weather conditions, urging people to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary travel. Fallen trees, power lines, and debris blocking roads are reported, posing substantial risks to life.
The red warning, effective until 11pm, cautions about potential damage to buildings, large waves, flying debris endangering lives, power disruptions, and cancellations in public transport services. The Met Office stressed the importance of taking precautions to safeguard against the anticipated dangerous weather conditions.
School closures and train suspensions have been implemented in Cornwall and Devon as a preventive measure against the approaching storm. Disruptions in train services are expected to continue into Friday morning, with road transport being impacted as well.
Storm Goretti, named by Meteo France, is described as a “multi-hazard event” by the Met Office, forecasting significant snowfall in parts of the UK alongside weather warnings for snow, wind, rain, and ice. The Chief Forecaster, Neil Armstrong, highlighted the varied impacts expected across different regions, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.