UK issues emergency alerts as big storm approaches

The Met Office issued a rare red warning for parts of southwest England as Storm Goretti approached, and the government sent emergency cell-phone alerts to people in affected areas.

Britain prepared for severe winter weather as a storm moved in from the southwest. Forecasters warned of heavy rain, strong winds and snow that could affect central England. The Met Office issued a rare red warning for parts of southwest England. The government said emergency cell-phone alerts were being sent to people in affected areas. Key points: - The Met Office issued a rare red warning for southwest England and described the event as a multi-hazard spell of heavy rain, strong winds and snow. - Forecasts indicated as much as 30 centimetres (about 12 inches) of snowfall in central England and wind gusts near 100 mph (160 kph) in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. - The government sent emergency alerts to compatible cell phones in affected areas; an alert was sent to the Isles of Scilly and another was scheduled for Cornwall. - Amber cold weather alerts were extended across England until Jan. 12, with officials reporting expected increases in health impacts among older people and those with existing health conditions. Summary: Officials warned the storm posed a risk of disruption to travel, energy supplies and services in affected areas. The storm was expected to leave Britain’s shores on Friday and then affect other parts of northwest Europe. Further local impacts were reported as the situation evolved.