A rare red weather warning for wind was declared across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as Storm Goretti unleashed what residents described as the wildest weather they had ever seen. The Met Office issued its highest alert on the evening of January 8, 2026, warning of life-threatening conditions with gusts potentially reaching 100mph.
Record-Breaking Winds and Immediate Danger
The storm's ferocity was confirmed by staggering wind speed measurements. The Isles of Scilly recorded gusts of 99mph, while an extraordinary 123mph was reported at Stepper Point, near Padstow. The Met Office's red warning explicitly highlighted the immediate risk to life from flying debris, urging extreme caution.
In the aftermath on the morning of January 9, Cornwall Council pleaded with residents to avoid travel. "A large number of roads are still closed due to fallen trees, downed power lines and debris," a statement read. Council teams worked non-stop to clear routes, asking the public to allow crews space to conduct urgent repairs safely.
'I've Never Seen Anything Like It': A Resident's Ordeal
Among those caught in the tempest was Perrin Hooper, a 24-year-old social media influencer with nearly 400,000 followers. Sharing their experience in a video posted at 7:50am on Friday, January 9, Hooper described a scene of devastation.
"The storm last night was wild. I've got no power, we've got no power and there are trees down everywhere," they said, referencing the nearby record winds. Despite the chaos, they praised the response: "They've done a very good job of getting the power back up pretty quickly for most areas."
Hooper confessed to briefly stepping onto their enclosed balcony to feel the storm's force, admitting they "probably shouldn't have." "I did go and stand out in it for like a minute... But then I went back in because I thought it was probably a really bad idea," they explained, worried their door might be ripped off. Their final verdict was emphatic: "I've never seen anything like it."
Widespread Disruption and Community Response
The storm's impact extended far beyond individual homes. Over 25 schools across Cornwall remained closed throughout the day, with at least 80 others opening late due to power failures or roads blocked by fallen trees.
On social media, others echoed Hooper's experiences. One viewer commented, "it was crazy! Lucky we've got power," while another wrote, "Felt like my roof was about to blow off." A third simply expressed relief for a fellow resident's safety amid the dangerous conditions.
As clean-up operations continued, the event served as a stark reminder of the UK's vulnerability to severe Atlantic weather systems, with Storm Goretti leaving a lasting impression of nature's raw power on the Cornish coastline.
