Storm Goretti: Snow and Rain Warnings Issued for Parts of Ireland
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Ireland is bracing for the arrival of Storm Goretti, with Met Éireann issuing a Status Yellow snow and rain warning for several counties. While the storm is expected to have a more notable impact across Britain and Europe, parts of Ireland are set to experience hazardous conditions, including potential travel disruptions. Here’s a complete overview of the current situation and what to expect.
Current Warnings and Affected Areas
As of January 8, 2026, Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow snow and rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, and Wexford. The warning is in affect from midday Thursday until 8 PM that evening.
The primary concern is rain turning to sleet and snow, particularly at higher elevations. This coudl lead to:
- Hazardous travelling conditions
- Spot flooding
- Poor visibility
- Icy patches
Storm Goretti: Origin and Naming
Storm Goretti was initially named by Meteo France, the French meteorological service.When a storm is named by one meteorological agency, others typically follow suit to ensure consistency in warnings and public safety messaging. Met Éireann routinely collaborates with the UK Met Office and the Netherlands’ KNMI in the naming process.
A storm receives a name when it is indeed forecast to cause medium or high impacts in Ireland, the UK, or the Netherlands. The agency anticipating the most significant impact takes duty for naming the storm and issuing appropriate warnings.
Weather Forecast: A detailed Look
Wednesday will be a cold day,with temperatures generally ranging from 2°C to 4°C,possibly reaching 5°C to 8°C in west connacht and parts of Munster.Rain and drizzle will clear northeastwards overnight, becoming mostly dry with showers affecting Atlantic coastal counties.
Thursday will see thickening cloud and outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading across the country from the south and southwest. The rain is expected to become heavy at times, particularly near the south coast, and will likely turn to sleet and snow over parts of Munster and south Leinster in the afternoon before clearing eastward in the late afternoon and evening.
Thursday night will be dry and clear for most, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle along eastern fringes. Temperatures will drop to lows of -2°C to 2°C.
Scattered showers are expected overnight,affecting Munster and connacht,with isolated showers further north.
Looking Ahead: Weekend Forecast
The weekend is expected to be “less cold than of late,” but still chilly at times.Unsettled conditions will persist, bringing showers and further outbreaks of rain, potentially with hail and sleet.
Key Takeaways
- Storm Goretti is impacting parts of Ireland,with a Status Yellow warning in place for Cork,Kerry,Waterford,and Wexford.
- The main hazard is rain turning to sleet and snow, leading to potentially hazardous travel conditions.
- The storm is expected to clear eastward on Thursday evening.
- Unsettled conditions are forecast to continue into the weekend.