Storm Goretti sparks Wales avalanche warning and travel disruption

An avalanche warning is in place and widespread travel disruption is expected as Storm Goretti hits Wales.

An amber weather warning for heavy snow has been issued for parts of the country, running from 20:00 GMT on Thursday to 09:00 on Friday.

The Met Office said the storm would likely lead to dangerous travelling conditions, with snow as deep as 20-30cm (8-12 in) possible in some locations.

Train passengers have been advised to expect some changes and cancellations to services while Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team warned of possible localised avalanches on Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, in Gwynedd.

A less severe yellow warning for snow has also been issued for parts of Wales, running from 17:00 Thursday until 12:00 GMT on Friday.

Wales transport secretary Ken Skates said plans were in place to deal with adverse weather.

“We’ve got agents across the road network. But I would appeal to people, please please ask yourselves do you need to travel when it snows heavily,” he said.

Transport for Wales said a number of services may be cancelled due to the severe weather forecast from 14:00 GMT onwards until the end of the day.

“Storm Goretti is expected to bring challenging conditions from Thursday afternoon and overnight, including snow, ice and strong winds, which can have a significant impact on the railway,” said Nick Millington, route director at Network Rail Wales and Borders in a statement.

“From mid-afternoon Thursday and into Friday we anticipate the need to close some lines to keep passengers and our colleagues safe,” he added.

Patrick Allinson from Transport for Wales passengers should check before travelling for up to date information on rail services and routes.

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team said there were areas of unstable snow in several locations near the top of Yr Wyddfa.

“These overhanging snow features can be difficult to spot, especially in poor visibility, and may collapse without warning,” it said.

“In certain circumstances, this could lead to serious falls or trigger localised avalanches, particularly where paths run close to steep ground.

“Fresh snow can be very tempting, but winter mountain environments bring additional risks.”

It warned anyone heading into the mountains to assess conditions, check the forecast and consider how confident they feel managing winter terrain.

The Welsh Ambulance Service is also urging people to take extra care ahead of heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Judith Bryce, assistant director of operations, said: “Unfortunately, severe weather means it may take longer to reach some patients, but if you have a genuine life-threatening emergency, please do continue to call us.”

The ambulance service advised people to stock up on medications, only travel if needed, and look out for vulnerable neighbours.

The recent temperature plunge has triggered the first cold weather payments of the winter in England and Wales.

An additional yellow warning for rain covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea from 12:00 on Thursday until 10:00 on Friday.

The following local authorities are covered by the amber snow warning:

• Blaenau Gwent
• Caerphilly
• Carmarthenshire
• Ceredigion
• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Gwynedd
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Monmouthshire
• Powys
• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Torfaen
• Wrexham

Carmarthenshire council said it had activated its severe weather arrangements and had “increased operational resilience with extra 4×4 capability, additional supervisory cover, and redeployment of staff”.

“Winter maintenance crews are on extended standby throughout the event to respond to changing conditions.”

Powys councillor Jackie Charlton said preparation had been taking place over the last few days, including emergency teams to establish where vulnerable people are.

“We have teams of 4x4s, so we have access to vulnerable people,” she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, adding that the council was focusing on keeping main roads open. She also told people not to travel unless it is essential.

• There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans
• Travel delays, road and rail closures and power cuts
• Potential risk to life and property

• Walking dogs in bitter temperatures can give them a chill, leave them vulnerable to frostbite, hypothermia, or respiratory infections
• Keep pets with short coats warm, dry and sheltered
• Antifreeze and rock salt on the ground can kill your cat or dog – so wash their paws, legs and tummy
• Bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside
• Do not let your fish pond freeze completely

RSPCA Cymru’s Dr Samantha Gaines said: “From creating dens, to introducing new games, and offering additional enrichment, now is a great time to ensure your pet has what they need with stormy conditions on the way.”

Cold weather payments are triggered by average temperature measurements made by the Met Office at 71 weather stations in Wales and England.

Each residential postcode is linked to a weather station.

A £25 payment is made to eligible recipients within each weather station area where the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.

It is targeted at people on benefits who are considered most vulnerable to the cold, including older residents receiving pension credit and universal credit claimants who meet certain conditions.

Payments should be received within 14 days.

The scheme runs from 1 November to 31 March each year, but this is the first time payments have been made during 2025/26.

A total of 17 out of the Met Office’s 71 weather stations triggered the payment during the week ending January 2.

Storm Goretti started off as a shallow area of low pressure over the Atlantic.

But as the low pressure engages with the jet stream it will undergo a process called explosive cyclogenesis, where the central pressure drops by 24 millibars or more in 24 hours.

A “weather bomb” is an unofficial term to describe this rapid deepening of low pressure.

The most damaging winds associated with Storm Goretti are expected to affect Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands and northern France.