Storm Goretti: Exeter faces strong winds as yellow weather warning issued

Exeter is expected to experience strong winds and possible disruption as Storm Goretti moves across southern England later today and into Friday, according to the Met Office.

A Yellow weather warning for wind is in force for Exeter from 3pm on Thursday until 8am on Friday, with gusts of up to 50mph possible across the city and higher gusts along exposed coastal areas.

Storm Goretti is described by forecasters as a “multi-hazard” weather event, bringing a combination of strong winds, heavy rain and snowfall across different parts of the UK. 

While the most severe impacts are forecast elsewhere, residents in Exeter are being advised to prepare for potentially disruptive conditions.

The Met Office has issued Amber warnings for wind in west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where gusts of up to 100mph are possible, as well as Amber snow warnings across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England. 

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Numerous Yellow warnings are also in place across England and Wales for wind, rain and snow.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesperson, said: “Storm Goretti will bring some severe disruption around the UK on Thursday and Friday, with multiple warnings issued for what is a multi-hazard event, with snow, winds and rain for many.

“For Exeter specifically, the main impacts from Storm Goretti will be from the strong winds later today and into tomorrow. A Yellow warning is in force in the area from 1500 today through to 0800 on Friday morning. Gusts around 50mph are possible around Exeter, with higher gusts likely on immediate coastlines.”

The warning highlights the risk of travel disruption, power cuts, and dangerous conditions near the coast. 

Road, rail and bus services may be affected, and residents are being advised to check travel plans in advance.

Rain is also expected to accompany the storm, although forecasters say this should ease gradually through Friday.

Mr Dixon added that people should take simple steps to reduce risk: “It’s a good idea to secure loose items outside your home, including bins, garden furniture or trampolines.

“The best chance of avoiding delays is by checking conditions before leaving the house; this includes checking train or bus timetables, as well as checking the situation on roads.”

The Met Office also advises households to prepare for the possibility of power cuts by having torches, spare batteries and mobile phone power packs ready.

Although Exeter is not expected to see the extreme conditions forecast for parts of Cornwall or Wales, residents near the coast are urged to take particular care, as strong winds can combine with large waves to create hazardous conditions.

Storm Goretti has been named by Météo-France, rather than the Met Office, due to its strongest impacts being expected in northern France and the Channel Islands. 

Forecasters say wind speeds in some exposed areas could rival or exceed those seen during Storm Eunice in 2022.

Weather warnings remain under review, and the Met Office has advised residents to stay up to date with the latest forecasts, as conditions and warning levels may change quickly.

UK Health Security Agency Amber cold weather health alerts also remain in place across England until 12 January, with freezing overnight temperatures expected to continue later in the week.

Residents are encouraged to follow official advice and only travel if necessary during the warning period.