Many parts of the country are bracing themselves for the arrival of Storm Goretti on Thursday afternoon.

A “multi-hazard event” – consisting of snow, heavy rain and strong winds – will be heading north to the United Kingdom from the Isles of Scilly and France.

Thankfully from Hartlepool’s point of view, it is expected to be the South West, Midlands and Wales which are mostly affected.

A range of amber and yellow weather warnings are in place until 9am on Friday with traffic disruption and storm damage are both possibilities.

Thanks to Carl Gorse for this fantastic photo of waves crashing against Hartlepool's Heugh Breakwater recently.

placeholder image — Thanks to Carl Gorse for this fantastic photo of waves crashing against Hartlepool's Heugh Breakwater recently.

Parts of Wales may be covered by up to 25cm of snowfall and gusts of wind may reach 100 miles per hour on the Isles of Scilly.

The Met Office, however, warns that it is too early just yet to predict Storm Goretti’s exact track and that further updates will be released as Thursday progresses.

So what is the current forecast for Hartlepool over the coming days?

Thursday, January 8, will remain dry although Friday, January 9, will bring regular rainfall and above average wind speeds of 29 miles per hour.

Saturday, January 10, will be a mix of sunny spells and more rainfall with Sunday, January 11, likely to be plagued by wintry showers from 9am.