Northern Europe is grappling with severe disruption as Storm Goretti unleashes powerful winds and heavy snowfall, causing widespread power cuts, transport cancellations, and school closures across France and Germany.
Record Winds and Widespread Power Cuts in France
The storm, known as Elli in Germany, first struck north-western Europe with ferocious intensity. France's national weather service, Météo-France, recorded gusts exceeding 210 kilometres per hour (132 mph) in Normandy, with a remarkable 216 kph (134 mph) blast at Val-de-Saire. The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris even registered a gust of 148 kph (92 mph).
The consequences were immediate and severe. By Friday lunchtime, more than 380,000 homes, primarily in Normandy and Brittany, were left without electricity. Regional train services across north-west France were suspended, with disruptions anticipated until late afternoon. Authorities issued severe weather warnings for 30 regions, urging residents to stay home and avoid travel.
"Take shelter and do not use your vehicle," warned the prefecture in Manche, Normandy, advising people to prepare emergency supplies. While no major property damage was reported, one man was seriously injured after falling from his roof, and 27 others sustained minor injuries.
Germany Braces for Heavy Snow and Freezing Temperatures
As the storm front moved eastwards, Germany prepared for its impact. The national weather service, DWD, warned of heavy snowfall of up to 20 centimetres, strong winds, and temperatures potentially plunging to -20°C in some areas. The regions around Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein were forecast to be hardest hit.
In anticipation, Deutsche Bahn halted long-distance rail services across a large swathe of northern Germany. Schools were closed in affected areas, and in Hamburg alone, more than 700 sanitation workers were deployed to clear streets. Authorities advised the public to stay at home where possible, and for those travelling by car to carry blankets and water in case they became stranded.
In a dangerous incident outside Bremerhaven, three youths were taken into custody for throwing blocks of ice onto a motorway into incoming traffic. Several vehicles were struck, but no injuries were reported.
Central Europe on Alert and a Reprieve for Berlin
Further south, central and southern Germany braced for a different threat: freezing rain. In Baden-Württemberg, three people were slightly injured when a bus skidded on ice and slid down a hillside overnight.
However, Berlin and the surrounding Brandenburg state, initially expected to bear the brunt of the storm, received a late reprieve. The DWD called off its previous severe warning, with a spokesperson stating, "We see no danger to life and limb." Despite this, the overall picture across northern Europe remains one of significant weather-related disruption as Storm Goretti continues its path.
