07 January 2025
The AA is urging drivers to take extreme care as Storm Goretti, the first named storm of 2026, brings a dangerous mix of heavy snow, strong winds and freezing temperatures across much of central part of the country.
The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for snow from 1800 on Thursday 8 January - covering large areas including the Midlands; east of England; London & South East; Wales and South West England.
In some areas, 5-10 cm of snow may settle with the potential for up to 20 cm in some locations, especially over higher ground. Strong winds may lead to some drifting of snow. Rain and snow will then clear eastwards during Friday 9 January.
- Plan ahead: Check weather and traffic updates, stick to main roads likely to be gritted, and allow extra time.
- Prepare your car: Clear all windows and mirrors, check tyres and battery, and keep at least a quarter tank of fuel.
- Pack essentials: Warm clothing, food, water, torch, phone charger, and an ice scraper.
- Drive smoothly: Pull away in second gear, avoid harsh braking or acceleration, and steer gently into a skid if needed.
Typically in conditions such as these, The AA sees a surge in callouts of around 40-50%, if travel is essential, preparation is key.
Shaun Jones, AA expert patrol, said: “With Storm Goretti delivering heavy snow, strong winds and rapidly changing road conditions across central England, drivers need to approach every journey with heightened caution. Snowfall combined with gusty winds can reduce visibility in seconds, and even familiar routes may become hazardous very quickly.
“Preparation is key in weather like this. Before setting off, drivers should make sure their vehicle is fully winterready - that means clearing all windows and mirrors, checking tyres and batteries, and carrying essentials such as warm clothing, water, a torch and a phone charger. Fuel or EV charge should always be topped up in case you become delayed or need to divert from your planned route. Roads that are normally straightforward may not be treated, and drifting snow can cause unpredictable patches of ice, so sticking to main, gritted routes is the safest option.
“Finally, motorists should be ready to adjust or even postpone travel plans if the conditions worsen. Storms can change quickly, and being flexible helps keep you and others safe. If forecasts show heavier snow or stronger winds moving into your area, consider delaying your journey or working from home where appropriate. Taking the time to plan ahead and making safety the priority will make a real difference as the storm continues to affect central England.”
Regions Affected
East Midlands – Derby; Derbyshire; Leicester; Leicestershire; Lincolnshire; Northamptonshire; Nottingham; Nottinghamshire; Rutland
East of England – Bedford; Cambridgeshire; Central Bedfordshire; Hertfordshire; Luton; Peterborough
London & South East – Buckinghamshire; Milton Keynes; Oxfordshire; West Berkshire
North West England – Cheshire East
South West England - Bath and North East Somerset; Bristol; Gloucestershire; North Somerset; Somerset; South Gloucestershire; Swindon; Wiltshire
Wales - Blaenau Gwent; Bridgend; Caerphilly; Cardiff; Carmarthenshire; Ceredigion; Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire; Gwynedd; Merthyr Tydfil; Monmouthshire; Neath Port Talbot; Newport; Powys; Rhondda Cynon Taf; Swansea; Torfaen; Vale of Glamorgan; Wrexham
West Midlands – Herefordshire; Shropshire; Staffordshire; Stoke-on-Trent; Telford and Wrekin; Warwickshire; West Midlands Conurbation; Worcestershire
Yorkshire & Humber – South Yorkshire