Britain is bracing for potentially life-threatening weather as Storm Goretti sweeps in from the southwest, bringing violent winds, heavy rain and widespread snowfall during one of the country’s coldest spells in years.

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for parts of southwest England, including Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where wind gusts could reach 100 mph (160 kph). The agency warned of “dangerous, stormy” conditions, very large waves, flying debris, damage to buildings, power cuts and severe disruption to transport.

A red warning indicates conditions where there is a very likely risk to life, alongside major interruption to travel, energy supplies and infrastructure.

Heavy snow expected across central England

Forecasters say up to 30 centimetres of snow could fall within hours across central England, threatening to close schools and disrupt road, rail and air travel, particularly in rural areas.

Chief Met Office forecaster Neil Armstrong described Goretti as a “multi-hazard event”, combining heavy rain, strong winds and snow. “This is a complex spell of severe weather,” he said.

Cold weather health alert extended

Alongside the storm alerts, the UK Health Security Agency has extended amber cold weather warnings across all regions of England until January 12. Officials warned of rising health risks, particularly for people aged over 65 and those with existing medical conditions, though younger age groups may also be affected.

Large parts of Wales, northern England and Scotland have already seen days of snow, prompting school closures and major travel disruption.

Europe also hit by severe winter weather

Storm Goretti is expected to move out of Britain on Friday and then impact parts of northwestern Europe, following days of snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures across the region.

In the Netherlands, conditions improved slightly on Thursday, allowing Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to begin recovering after hundreds of flight cancellations earlier in the week, although a brief power outage caused fresh delays.

In the Balkans, severe winter weather continues to cause disruption. Heavy snow has affected traffic in Serbia during Orthodox Christmas celebrations, with temperatures in Slovenia reported as low as –25°C. Bosnia, Kosovo and Montenegro are facing flooding, where swollen rivers have forced evacuations.

Authorities across affected regions are urging people to avoid non-essential travel, monitor weather updates and check on vulnerable neighbours as the storm system continues its path.