Storm Goretti cuts power, disrupts rail services across UK

LONDON, Jan 9 (KUNA) -- Storm Goretti continued to batter the UK on Friday, leaving thousands of homes without power and disrupting rail services after winds reached speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The UK Met Office said, in a statement, that the storm brought heavy rain, particularly to the southwest, while other northern areas experienced heavy snowfall.
The first-level warning was announced on Friday morning, but a new level two warning was issued for Saturday and Sunday, covering large parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and, to a lesser extent, Northern Ireland, the statement explained.
Meanwhile, the BBC reported that Birmingham Airport was closed and then reopened due to the severe weather, with some flights cancelled or delayed.
The BBC also confirmed that several counties were forced to close major roads after trees were uprooted by the wind, disrupting traffic, particularly in Derbyshire in central England. (end) mrn.ao