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Storm Goretti school closures, what parents need to know as amber warnings hit

Storm Goretti school closures, what parents need to know as amber warnings hit

Storm Goretti is bringing snow, wind and school closures across the UK. Here is how it could affect families and childcare plans today.

(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

MadeForMums

Published: January 8, 2026 at 8:24 AM

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The UK is bracing for Storm Goretti today, with amber weather warnings in force and growing disruption for families. For many parents, the biggest concern is whether schools are open, how safe travel will be, and what to do if power cuts or heavy snow hit their area.

With schools already shut in parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, more closures are expected as snow and high winds move in later today. Here is what parents need to know, and how to check if your child’s school is affected.

Why schools are closing during Storm Goretti

Storm Goretti is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds and icy conditions across large parts of the UK from this evening into Friday.

The Met Office has issued two amber weather warnings, one for snow and one for wind. Amber warnings mean there is an increased risk of disruption, including power cuts, travel delays and communities becoming cut off.

According to the Met Office, amber warnings signal that “there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans”.

For schools, this often means closures due to unsafe travel conditions, staff shortages, or concerns about heating and power supplies.

Areas most likely to see school closures

Many schools are already closed today, particularly in areas that have experienced snow earlier this week.

Schools in parts of Scotland have been shut since Monday, with pupils having unexpected days off just after the festive break.

Further closures are expected in areas covered by the amber snow warning, including parts of:

Wales
The East and West Midlands
South West England
South and West Yorkshire

Rural communities are especially at risk of being cut off if snowfall is heavy or drifting, which often leads to precautionary school closures.

How to check if your child’s school is closed

Parents are being urged to check local updates early, as decisions may change throughout the day. Up-to-date school closure information can be found through local authority websites and regional school closure checkers. Many schools also share updates directly via text messages, emails, school apps or social media. If your child travels by school bus, it is also worth checking transport updates, as icy roads have already led to several school bus accidents this week.

Travel safety and school transport concerns

Icy conditions have already caused serious disruption, including multiple school bus accidents.

In Berkshire, a school coach collided with a Reading bus in what the Royal Berkshire Hospital described as “very icy” conditions. Nine children were among those treated for minor injuries.

Earlier in the day, another school bus slipped on black ice in Kent.

For parents, this highlights why many schools choose to close even if snowfall looks manageable, travel conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Power cuts and heating worries for families

The Met Office has warned that power cuts are likely in some areas, particularly where snow builds up on power lines or strong winds cause damage.

For families with young children, this can raise concerns about keeping homes warm and safe.

If you experience a power cut, keep torches and spare batteries handy, avoid using candles where possible, and keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food.

What parents can do if schools close

Sudden school closures can be stressful, especially for working parents. If your child’s school closes:

Check whether remote learning has been set up, some schools may provide online work
Speak to your employer early if you need to arrange childcare or flexible working
Keep children indoors during the worst weather, especially during amber warnings
Check in on vulnerable neighbours or relatives if it is safe to do so

When will conditions improve?

Storm Goretti is expected to bring disruption into Friday morning, with snow and strong winds gradually easing later in the day.

However, lingering ice and travel issues may continue to affect school reopening decisions, particularly in rural or hard to reach areas.

Parents are advised to keep checking local updates this evening and early tomorrow morning, as further closures or delayed openings are possible.

As always during severe weather, safety comes first, even if it means another unexpected day off school.

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