Northern Europe Grapples with Storm Goretti

Storm Goretti unleashed its fury across northern Europe on Friday, causing widespread power outages, travel disruptions, school closures, and flight cancellations. Gale-force winds, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures compounded a week of harsh winter weather, leaving emergency services scrambling to respond across multiple countries.

The storm first hit Britain on Thursday before moving eastward to France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Officials in Germany described it as one of the most severe winter weather events in recent years.

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France: Massive Power Outages and Rail Suspensions

In France, around 380,000 households lost electricity, primarily in Normandy and Brittany, as the storm rolled through continental Europe. Winds exceeding 150 kph (93 mph) were recorded in Manche, with a record 213 kph in Barfleur.

The storm caused serious infrastructure damage, including tearing off roofs and uprooting trees. French state-owned energy company EDF reported that reactors 1 and 3 at the Flamanville nuclear plant were taken offline following the loss of a high-voltage line.

Rail services were also disrupted: the SNCF suspended trains between Paris and Normandy, citing unsafe conditions due to high winds and fallen debris.

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United Kingdom: Schools Shut, Rail Services Suspended

Across the UK, 57,000 homes lost power in Scotland and central England. Schools in many areas were closed, particularly in Scotland, as local authorities assessed the storm’s impact.

Rail operators issued warnings against travel, suspending some services as storm-force winds and snow swept across central England. The National Grid coordinated with utility providers to restore electricity safely.

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Germany and the Netherlands: Transport Chaos

In Germany, the storm prompted Deutsche Bahn to halt long-distance train services until further notice. Northern Germany, including Hamburg, faced flight cancellations, with around 40 flights at Hamburg Airport grounded.

In the Netherlands, KLM cancelled 80 flights to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, following earlier disruptions caused by freezing weather. Authorities warned travelers to check schedules and prepare for delays.

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Other Affected Regions: Hungary and the Western Balkans

In Hungary, the military was deployed to assist motorists trapped in heavy snow, while Western Balkan countries experienced widespread disruption since Sunday.

Albania reported one death due to flooding, and northeastern Turkey faced gale-force winds that ripped roofs off buildings, highlighting the storm’s broader impact across Europe.

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Meteorological and Safety Insights

Meteorologists described Storm Goretti as an exceptional winter storm, combining high winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold. Authorities across affected countries urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, secure property, and stay updated on emergency advisories.

Emergency services across northern Europe continue to work tirelessly to restore power, clear roads, and maintain safety, with the storm expected to gradually move eastward, bringing further disruptions before easing.