Storm Goretti: expert comments

A rare red wind warning is issued by the Met Office for Cornwall and the Channel Islands, as Storm Goretti hits the UK. 

Dr Ambrogio Volonte and Dr Jess Neumann comment. To request interviews contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk.

Dr Ambrogio Volonte, research scientist at the University of Reading, said: "A red warning has been issued as gusts of up to 100mph are expected over a 2-3 hour period. 

"Storm Goretti is a dangerous storm that is associated with compound hazards: in addition to the red wind warning there's an amber warning for snow over a fairly large area covering part of Wales and of the Midlands. This is because the milder and stormy Atlantic flow is meeting the much colder air currently present around our regions.

"Goretti might not reach the extreme conditions of Storm Eowyn, but is not forecast to be very far from them, hence the red warning. The especially tight pressure contours on the South West flank of the storm indicate potential for extremely strong and damaging winds in a localised region, in this case Cornwall and the Channel."

Dr Jess Neumann, Associate Professor of Hydrology, University of Reading, said: "A rare red warning has been issued for the southwest of England as extreme windy conditions are expected in the coming hours. There is high potential for severe damage to buildings, trees and infrastructure which poses a risk to life.

"Many residents in the red zone have already received an automatic Government Warning to their phone. The advice is to secure loose items such as bins and garden furniture if it is safe and practical to do so, avoid all travel and seek a safe location away from doors and windows - ideally an interior room. In the event of power failure, prepping an emergency kit including a torch, spare batteries, phone charger and power bank, bottled water, snacks, warm clothes and blankets, will make for a safer night.

"More widely, other areas of the UK are facing additional and multiple hazards including snow, ice and heavy rain as Storm Goretti gathers pace. Depending on where you live, dangerous wind gusts, heavy rain and blizzard conditions will bring a high probability of prolonged power cuts and substantial disruption to the travel network. Everyone should stay alert, and keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings for their region."