The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for snow across Boston and surrounding areas, in place from 5pm on Thursday through to midday on Friday, as Storm Goretti moves across the region.
The warning highlights the potential for heavy and disruptive snowfall, particularly affecting rural villages including Sutterton and Swineshead, with difficult travelling conditions expected from Thursday evening into Friday. Residents are being warned of possible delays on roads, with some vehicles and passengers at risk of becoming stranded.
There is also a risk of rail and air travel disruption, with some rural communities potentially becoming cut off if snowfall is heavy and persistent. The Met Office has warned that power cuts may occur, and other services such as mobile phone coverage could be affected in some areas.
Rain associated with Storm Goretti is expected to spread northeastwards through Thursday afternoon and evening, turning increasingly to snow overnight. While not all areas will see accumulations, 5–10cm of snow is likely quite widely, with 15–25cm possible in places, particularly on higher ground. As conditions change into Friday, a mix of rain, sleet and snow is expected, with significant local variation over short distances.
Forecasters have also stressed that there is some uncertainty over the exact track of Storm Goretti, which will influence where the heaviest snowfall occurs. The storm has been named by Météo-France, as the strongest winds are expected over northern France, though strong gusts of 40–50mph, especially near the coast, could still impact Lincolnshire.
Alongside the snow warning, a separate Yellow Weather Warning for rain is in place for Boston between 6pm on Thursday and 9pm on Friday.
Heavy rain may lead to spray, surface water and localised flooding, potentially causing difficult driving conditions, road closures, and minor disruption to bus and train services. Rainfall totals of 20–30mm are likely, with a small chance of 40–60mm in some locations. In inland parts of Lincolnshire, rain may again turn to sleet or wet snow, adding to travel hazards.
The Met Office is urging residents to plan ahead and stay up to date with forecasts and warnings. Drivers are advised to check routes and travel conditions, allow extra journey time, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. People are also encouraged to prepare for potential power cuts by having torches, batteries, and mobile phone power packs readily available.
Those in flood-prone areas should consider checking their risk and preparing a simple flood plan where necessary.
Weather warnings may change as the situation develops, and residents are advised to follow updates from the Met Office and local authorities throughout the period of disruption.
