The Met Office has escalated weather warnings for the UK as a significant winter storm, named Storm Goretti, prepares to unleash a rare combination of hazardous conditions. Yellow and amber weather warnings are in effect for Thursday, January 8, and Friday, January 9, with specific alerts issued for households in Birmingham.
Rare and Dangerous Phenomena Forecast
Forecasters warn that the impending 'snow bomb' will trigger two unusual and perilous weather events. According to data from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk information, both freezing rain and ice pellets are predicted to strike parts of England on Sunday, January 11.
Ice pellets, a less common form of winter precipitation, occur when snowflakes begin to melt as they descend, only to refreeze in a layer of sub-zero air before reaching the ground. The Met Office explains that this results in grain-like particles that bounce upon impact. "Showers of ice pellets tend to be quite short-lived, but can still accumulate on the ground in a similar way to snow," a spokesperson noted.
The Specific Threat of Freezing Rain
Perhaps even more hazardous is the forecast for freezing rain. This is a rare type of liquid precipitation in the UK that freezes almost instantly upon contact with cold surfaces like roads, pavements, and power lines. The conditions required for freezing rain are highly specific, making it an unusual event for Britain. It creates a rapid and treacherous glaze of ice that is extremely dangerous for travel and pedestrians.
Jo Farrow from Netweather TV provided further context on the developing situation. "A Snow & Ice yellow warning remains across northern Scotland on Wednesday," she said, adding that occluded fronts would bring more snow to NE Scotland, Caithness, and Orkney.
Wider Impacts and Health Warnings
The severe weather is already having tangible consequences across the nation. Hospitals have reported an increase in admissions for broken limbs and injuries from slips and falls. People in snow-affected communities are also facing difficulties obtaining prescriptions and essential supplies.
Public health is a major concern, with cold health alerts extended across England. This specific service, a collaboration between the NHS in England and the Met Office, highlights the severe risk to vulnerable populations during such intense cold spells.
Authorities urge the public, especially in the Birmingham area and other warned regions, to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and check on vulnerable neighbours as Storm Goretti approaches.
