The immediate danger from Storm Goretti may have subsided, but communities across the United Kingdom are continuing to grapple with its severe and lingering effects. From widespread power outages to imminent flood threats, the aftermath of the storm is disrupting daily life for thousands.
Ongoing Flood Threats and Power Disruption
As of Sunday evening, an estimated 4,000 homes remained without electricity, according to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. He noted that power had been restored to 98% of those initially affected by the storm. However, the environmental impact presents a more persistent danger.
Significant flood alerts and more serious flood warnings are still active, particularly in northern Scotland and the Midlands. Residents in Tewkesbury have been alerted that the River Severn could burst its banks, with Stanford in Worcestershire and the South Winterbourne Valley in Dorset also facing serious flooding risks.
The situation is especially acute in Scotland, where Perthshire alone accounts for 12 of the country's 18 active flood warnings. The River Tay is posing a substantial threat to areas west of Perth and north of Dunkeld.
Water Supply Crisis in the South East
In a separate but compounding crisis, thousands of households in Kent and Sussex are experiencing limited or no access to clean water. South East Water has attributed this to a combination of burst pipes and ongoing power cuts.
The disruption has prompted Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran to declare a major incident, activating additional emergency arrangements. Several schools across the two counties have been forced to close for the day due to the lack of water.
South East Water has warned that some customers in regions around East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, and Canterbury may not see their supply restored until tomorrow. For residents of Tunbridge Wells, this marks the second major water outage in two months, following a prolonged issue at the Pembury Water Treatment Works that began in late November.
Expressing local frustration, MP Mike Martin told the BBC: ‘I think the chair of South East Water needs to convene the board and get a grip of what’s going on.’
Weather Warnings and Continued Risks
The Met Office has explained that the heightened flood risk is being driven by a combination of heavy rainfall and melting snow. Meteorologist Tom Morgan stated on Sunday night: ‘Combined with the rainfall, the higher temperatures, we will see some flooding due to the snow melt gradually as we go through the next few days, so that’s the main concern.’
He further predicted significant transport disruption, including potential ferry cancellations and bridge closures in Scotland, with rain expected to hamper road travel across the country.
Adding to the hazardous conditions, the Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for ice, effective from 7pm this evening until 10am tomorrow. This warning covers several parts of Scotland already under flood alerts, creating a dual threat of ice and flooding.
Last week, Storm Goretti's intensity led the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for wind in southwest England, where gusts approached 100mph.
