While some communities face heavy rain, others are braced for significant snowfall, and higher ground could see amber‑level disruption as the storm moves in on Thursday night and into Friday.
The updated warnings come just 24 hours after Swansea Bay News’ original report, with forecasters now warning that Storm Goretti will be a “multi‑hazard event” bringing snow, strong winds and heavy rain.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said:
“Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many.”
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
Snow across parts of England and Wales
Thursday 2000 – Friday 0900
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/E5uNBZR6wY
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 7, 2026What’s now expected across South West Wales?
The Met Office’s latest update shows a patchwork of warnings across our area:
🌧️ Yellow warning – Heavy rain
Some coastal and low‑lying parts of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire are now under a yellow rain warning, with the risk of localised flooding and difficult driving conditions.
❄️ Yellow warning – Snow
Higher ground inland — including parts of the Swansea and Neath valleys, the Amman Valley and northern Carmarthenshire — are covered by a yellow snow warning, with several centimetres possible.
🟧 Amber warning – Snow
The most serious alert now affects parts of mid and north Carmarthenshire and the Brecon Beacons, where 15–25cm of snow is possible, and up to 30cm on the highest routes.
This is expected to cause significant travel disruption, especially overnight Thursday into Friday morning.
Neil Armstrong added:
“Accumulations of 5–10 cm are likely widely, with 15–25 cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30 cm very locally.”
Strong winds also expected
Although the strongest winds will hit the Channel Islands and northern France, Storm Goretti will still bring gusts of 50–60mph to parts of Wales, especially exposed coasts and hills.
Travel disruption likely
The Met Office warns that:
- Roads may become impassable in amber snow areas
- Bus and train services could face delays or cancellations
- Rain may cause surface water flooding in low‑lying areas
- Icy conditions are likely overnight
The RAC is urging drivers to think carefully before travelling.
RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said:
“In the areas worst affected by Storm Goretti, drivers need to be considering if it’s safe to get behind the wheel.”
What happens after Storm Goretti?
The storm is expected to move eastwards by Friday evening, giving way to a brief calmer spell on Saturday. But forecasters warn that Sunday and Monday are highly uncertain, with the possibility of further widespread snowfall as milder Atlantic air clashes with the cold air currently over the UK.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said:
“This set up brings a risk of some further widespread snowfall, so it’s important to stay aware of the forecast and any warnings which may be issued.”
