Storm Goretti arrives in London this evening, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and a chance of sleet or snow overnight. While Putney will escape the worst of what forecasters are calling a “weather bomb”, commuters face significant travel disruption and Friday morning could bring icy conditions.
At a glance:
- Yellow weather warning for London: 5pm Thursday to midday Friday
- SWR evening trains cancelled, disruption through Friday
- District Line via East Putney expected to run normally
- Heavy rain, strong winds, possible sleet overnight
- Friday morning could bring icy pavements
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for London and the South East from 5pm today until midday Friday. The storm is severe enough that a rare red “danger to life” warning has been issued for Cornwall, where winds could reach 100mph.
South Western Railway has cancelled evening services and warns of disruption across its network through Friday. Cancelled trains from London Waterloo tonight include the 21:35 to Weymouth, the 22:35 to Poole, the 23:32 to Portsmouth Harbour, and the 23:36 to Bournemouth. More cancellations are expected.
What Putney will see
London is forecast to escape the heaviest snow, which will fall across Wales, the Midlands and South Yorkshire where an amber warning is in place. But the capital faces its own challenges.
Rain arrives from early afternoon, becoming heavy at times through the evening. The Met Office warns of coastal gales by evening, “perhaps severe”, with the strongest winds near the coast. Overnight, there is an increasing chance of sleet and snow, especially over higher ground, with sleet forecast across Greater London between around 4am and 6am before turning back to rain.
Temperatures will hover between 2°C and 7°C, but wind chill will make it feel as cold as minus 3°C overnight. Untreated pavements and roads could become icy, particularly during the early morning.
Transport disruption
South Western Railway is advising passengers to check journeys before travelling as “disruption is likely across the whole network” today and Friday. Services through Putney, Barnes and Wandsworth Town may be delayed, cancelled or altered at short notice.
The District Line via East Putney is expected to run normally, making it a more reliable option for those heading into central London.
The RAC is urging motorists to avoid driving overnight or bring their journeys forward. Spokesperson Alice Simpson said amber warnings for snow “must be heeded by drivers” and warned that breakdowns increase sharply in cold weather. Those who must drive should carry warm clothing, food, water and a phone charger.
Health warning until Monday
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold health alert for all of England, in effect until Monday 12 January. Officials expect increased pressure on health services and warn of a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, people with health conditions, and children under five.
Health charities warn the cold snap poses particular risks for people with chronic conditions. Asthma + Lung UK says freezing temperatures can worsen symptoms such as breathlessness and wheezing, while Alzheimer’s Society urges people to check on neighbours living with dementia who may not be able to communicate if they are cold.
The advice is to minimise unnecessary trips outside, keep homes heated to at least 18°C, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
Schools
No Wandsworth schools have announced closures so far, but the timing of the weather warning means Friday morning disruption is possible. Some schools in neighbouring boroughs, including Fulham, have already closed early today. Parents should check school communications this evening and Friday morning.
Before you travel
Check South Western Railway services at journeycheck.com/swr or the National Rail Storm Goretti page. TfL updates are at tfl.gov.uk/status.
The worst conditions are expected Thursday evening through Friday morning. The storm’s influence will ease on Friday afternoon, with a calmer but cold Saturday ahead before further unsettled weather arrives on Sunday.
