Storm Goretti hits Birmingham with heavy snow and 100mph winds, causing school closures and power outages across the UK
Storm Goretti Causes School Closures and Power Outages in the UK
Dozens of schools will be closed as Storm Goretti hits the UK with 100mph winds, leaving thousands without power.
The storm has triggered rare red and amber weather warnings as it moves in from the Atlantic, bringing violent gales, snow, and ice.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
Heavy snow settled quickly in Birmingham on Thursday evening. A vehicle drove through snowy conditions in South Wales on Thursday afternoon. An officer at the Falmouth Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre monitored Storm Goretti’s progress in Falmouth.
A gust of 99mph was recorded at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly, according to the Met Office. Forecasters warn that flying debris, falling trees, and structural damage could pose a danger to life.
People are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely essential. Currently, just under 51,676 homes are without power across the UK, according to the National Grid’s outage map.
Impact on Schools and Transport
Around 45,912 of those without power are in the south west of England, and just over 3,000 are in the West Midlands. Alongside the red alert, amber warnings for snow and ice cover large parts of Wales, the Midlands, and northern England. Yellow warnings stretch across most of the rest of the UK.
Snowfall of up to 30cm is possible in some areas, with freezing conditions expected overnight into Friday, making roads treacherous and travel disruptive. Transport bosses warn of major disruption, with cancelled rail services, grounded flights, and motorists urged to avoid journeys during the storm.
Emergency Alerts and School Closures
Emergency alerts have been sent to mobile phones in parts of the south-west, warning residents to take immediate precautions as the strongest winds hit. Schools across the country have begun announcing closures for tomorrow as headteachers and councils act ahead of worsening conditions.
Hundreds of pupils in Scotland have already missed days of lessons this week due to snow and ice. Parents are advised to check directly with schools or councils for the latest updates.
List of Closed Schools
84 schools in Cornwall and Devon closed early today due to the weather. Here is the confirmed list of schools that have announced closures or disruptions:
| School Name |
|---|
| Wightwick Hall School (Wolverhampton) |
| Claregate Primary School (Wolverhampton) |
| Ignite Academy Trust primary schools (Wolverhampton) |
| SHINE Academy primaries (Northwood Park & Villiers, Bilston) |
| Long Knowle Primary School (Wolverhampton) |
| Grove Primary School (Wolverhampton) |
| St Luke’s CE Aided Primary School (Wolverhampton) |
| Woden Primary School (Wolverhampton) |
| Stow Heath Primary School (Wolverhampton) |
| Graiseley Primary School (Wolverhampton) |
| Lodge Farm Primary School (Walsall) |
| Pegasus Academy (Dudley) |
| Beacon Hill Academy (Sedgley, Dudley) |
| Hagley Catholic High School (Dudley) |
| Loxdale Primary School (Dudley) |
| Link Academy (Dudley) |
| Blowers Green Primary School (Dudley) |
| Kates Hill Primary School (Dudley) |
| King Charles I School (Wyre Forest) – limited opening for Years 7–8 |
| Flax Hill Junior Academy (Staffordshire) |
| Lark Hall Infants & Nursery Academy (Staffordshire) |
| Cherry Trees School (Wombourne, Staffordshire) |
| Aston University Engineering Academy (Birmingham/West Midlands) |
| Bilston Church of England Primary School (West Midlands) |
| Queen Alexandra College (West Midlands) |
| Crestwood School & Pedmore High School (Invictus Education Trust) – delayed openings |
More than 150 schools in Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Moray, and Orkney remain shut due to ongoing snow and ice in northern Scotland. This list is expected to grow as Storm Goretti continues to impact the country with snow, ice, and wind.
