From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Storm Goretti has hit the UK with 99mph winds and heavy snow as part of a “weather bomb”, after a red weather warning was issued by the Met Office.
The Met Office updated an amber wind warning for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to red between 4pm and 11pm on Thursday, with “dangerous stormy winds” forecast.
Winds of 99mph have been recorded at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly, which is a new record for the site, the forecaster said, while thousands of homes around the country have lost power.
At around 9pm, more than 47,000 properties were without power in south west England, while Cornwall Council said it had reports that trees and power lines had fallen.
The government has also sent two messages via its emergency alerts system to people in affected areas, with the latest sent to people in Cornwall at 5pm.
Meanwhile, an amber snow warning on Thursday night and into Friday morning could bring up to 30cm of snow in Wales and the Peak District as part of a “weather bomb” hitting the country.
Another six yellow weather warnings remain in place as Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong has described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event” with heavy rain, strong winds and snow.
The weather has caused travel chaos as Birmingham airport suspended its runway operations and some train operators are offering people with tickets for Thursday and Friday the chance to postpone their journeys as far ahead as Monday 12 January.
A yellow weather warning for ice is in place for Northern Ireland from midnight to 11am on Friday.
Yellow weather warning for ice in force for Northern Ireland on 9 January (Met Office)
The Met Office says: “A scattering of showers around the coast this evening and overnight to give an ice risk, especially on untreated surfaces. Showers will turn to sleet or snow at times, perhaps giving a fresh dusting of snow in a few places.”
Dan Haygarth8 January 2026 23:45
Storm Goretti hit the UK on Thursday evening, after the Met Office issued a rare red warning issued for “dangerous, stormy” winds on the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall. Here is a recap:
Winds of 99mph were recorded at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly, which is a new record for the site, the Met Office said.
Cornwall Council said trees and power lines had been reported felled and it was dealing with a large number of incidents. In its red warning, the Met Office said violent gusts would hit that part of the country, with speeds of 100mph forecast, between 4pm and 11pm on Thursday.
It said people should expect damage to buildings and homes, very large waves, flying debris resulting in danger to life, power cuts and public transport cancellations.
More than 47,000 properties were without power in the South West at about 9pm, according to National Grid’s website, while more than 5,000 had no power in the West Midlands and 2,000 in Wales.
The forecaster’s description of a red warning on its website reads: “It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
“You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.”
Dozens of schools in Cornwall closed early on Thursday afternoon as the storm approached.
Network Rail said all trains in Cornwall would be suspended from 6pm on Thursday.
Elsewhere, Birmingham airport has suspended the use of its runway due to heavy snow.
An amber warning for snow covers parts of Wales, the Midlands and Yorkshire until 9am on Friday, with about 10 to 15cm of snow likely across the warning area, and up to 30cm on higher ground in Wales and the Peak District.
Dan Haygarth8 January 2026 23:22
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Cornwall Council said: “We’re dealing with a large number of incidents caused by Storm Goretti, including fallen trees, unsafe structures and downed power lines.
“If you can work from home on Friday morning, please do so, and avoid non-essential travel. Conditions remain dangerous.
“Parents and carers are advised to check whether their school or education setting is open before leaving home.”
The local authority added: “Please stay safe, allow emergency services and highways teams to carry out urgent work, and only travel if your journey is absolutely necessary.”
Dan Haygarth8 January 2026 23:05
Dan Haygarth8 January 2026 22:45
Gusts of up to 99mph were recorded as authorities issued a rare red warning – the highest level – of winds for the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall.
More than 40,000 properties in southwest England suffered power cuts, according to National Grid.
Dan Haygarth8 January 2026 22:16
Storm Goretti will continue to move eastwards across England and Wales. Very strong and damaging wind gusts will move along the south coast. Rain turning to snow, heavy for central parts of England and Wales. Wintry showers and ice elsewhere.
Storm Goretti will slowly edge away, but rain and some snow continuing across the east of England. Sunny spells and a scattering of wintry showers elsewhere. Windy and feeling cold.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
Fine on Saturday after a cold and icy start. Further wet and windy weather moving east through Sunday, with some hill snow in the north. Milder for all by Monday.
Dan Haygarth8 January 2026 21:55
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
Thousands of passengers flying to or from Birmingham airport have had their plans wrecked by the closure of the runway.
The airport said in a statement: “Due to heavy snow runway operations have been suspended. Passengers due to travel should contact their airline regarding the status of flights. The safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority and this decision has been made with this in mind. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
A flight from Amritsar in India landed at Heathrow when Birmingham could not accept arrivals. Five following flights, including Jet2 from Antalya and Gran Canaria, diverted to Manchester, and Ryanair’s inbound flight from Barcelona ended up at East Midlands airport. Some flights were simply cancelled, including Air France from Paris, KLM from Amsterdam and easyJet from Edinburgh.
Circle game: Flightpath of Air India flight from Amritsar to Birmingham, which diverted to Heathrow airport (Screengrab)
At least 1,000 passengers are waiting for the snow to be cleared. Some departing flights are delayed by five hours. The Emirates flight to Dubai is expected to leave over two hours late – jeopardising the connections of many people on board the A380 “SuperJumbo”.
Friday schedule is also affected because planes, pilots and cabin crew are out of position. Flights to Paris and Amsterdam due out in the morning are both cancelled.
Dan Haygarth8 January 2026 21:38