India, Jan. 8 -- A rapidly intensifying winter storm has pushed the UK into one of its most serious weather alerts in nearly a year. Storm Goretti brings with it a volatile cocktail of extreme winds, snow and ice with plunging temperatures, according to a rare red wind warning from the Met Office. Forecasters warn gusts could reach 100mph in exposed areas with a 'real risk to life' from widespread disruption. The warning marks a critical moment in an already harsh winter spell affecting much of the country.

On Thursday afternoon, the Met Office escalated the alert level for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, as the high winds could cause structural damage, fallen trees as well as damage from debris. The red warning will last from 4 pm to ...