The United Kingdom is facing a fresh wave of severe winter weather this Sunday, January 11, 2026, as the fallout from Storm Goretti continues to wreak havoc. A rare amber weather warning for snow has been activated for parts of Scotland, with forecasts predicting up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) of accumulation in some areas.
Severe Weather Warnings and Forecast Details
Following the storm's initial impact, which included record-breaking 99mph winds and a tragic fatality in Cornwall, new weather systems are now colliding with cold air. This clash is triggering significant new snowfall and an extremely hazardous risk of freezing rain across the country.
The Met Office amber warning for snow covers the Scottish Highlands, Grampian, and Central Tayside until 2pm today. Above 300 metres, accumulations could reach 30cm, accompanied by blizzard conditions and deep drifts due to strong winds. Lower-lying regions may still see 2cm to 5cm.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning for snow and ice remains in force until 3pm for the Midlands, Northern England, and Yorkshire. The North West and Yorkshire could witness 10cm to 20cm on higher ground, while areas like Staffordshire and Derbyshire are preparing for localised depths of up to 6 inches.
Critical Hazard: Freezing Rain and Black Ice
A particularly dangerous element of today's weather is the threat of freezing rain. The Met Office has highlighted an acute risk this morning, specifically across eastern Scotland and northeast England. This phenomenon creates a near-invisible, transparent layer of black ice on surfaces, which is heavy enough to damage trees and bring down power lines, creating severe travel and safety hazards.
Ongoing Disruption to Power, Water, and Travel
The legacy of Storm Goretti continues to disrupt essential services and infrastructure nationwide. As of Saturday evening, thousands of properties remained without electricity, with National Grid engineers working tirelessly in Cornwall where over 15,000 homes were still affected.
Power failures at water treatment works have also left thousands in the South West without running water. Bottled water stations have been established in Helston, Marazion, and Mullion to assist residents.
Travel chaos is expected to persist. National Rail has warned that disruption is likely to continue until at least Monday. Major airlines, including Jet2 and Ryanair, have alerted passengers to potential delays and cancellations at UK airports due to essential de-icing procedures and the deteriorating conditions.
The combination of fresh snowfall, ice, and ongoing recovery efforts from the initial storm means the UK faces a complex and challenging start to the week, with authorities urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
