Storm Goretti: Dorset Council prepares for heavy rain, strong winds, and a brief wintry spell

Dorset Council has around 100 people ready over the next 36 hours (Thursday 8th to Friday 9th January 2026) to keep our main roads safe as we respond to Storm Goretti.

We’ll time gritting to the point roads could freeze, keep A roads open as our first priority, and respond through the night to flooding and fallen trees caused by strong winds.

Heavy rain can wash salt off the road, so early salting is less effective. Our teams will treat main routes in the early hours when it makes the most difference.

Specialist tree‑clearing teams are on standby to deal with debris and ensure key routes are unblocked. We’ll then move to other roads as conditions and resources allow.

On higher routes, road surface temperatures may dip below zero for a time overnight, with sleet or wet snow in places. Significant snowfall is not expected for most routes, but small accumulations of around 1 cm are possible in higher areas. Any wintry weather should ease tomorrow morning, with clearer spells late morning.

The period between midnight and 6am is likely to be the most challenging. Please consider whether journeys in those hours are essential, drive to the conditions, and allow extra time.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“Heavy rain, strong winds and a short wintry window will test our roads tonight. Our crews are ready, with gritting timed to when it will count. Please slow down, plan journeys, and report urgent issues so we can target resources.”

If you spot an emergency highway issue that needs urgent attention, please call 01305 221000. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our response as forecasts are refreshed.