Storm Goretti Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power in France and Britain

Post by : Saif Nasser

Storm Goretti caused major disruption across France and Britain as strong winds, heavy rain, and snowfall swept through northern Europe. The powerful storm left hundreds of thousands of homes without electricity and forced transport services and schools to shut down, affecting daily life in many regions.

In France, electricity provider Enedis said around 380,000 households lost power. The worst-hit areas were Normandy and Brittany, where strong winds damaged power lines and infrastructure. Some of the highest wind speeds were recorded in the northwestern Manche region, with gusts crossing 150 kilometers per hour. In the coastal town of Barfleur, winds reached a record-breaking speed of 213 kilometers per hour, showing the strength of the storm.

The severe weather also disrupted travel in France. The national rail operator suspended train services between Paris and the Normandy region due to safety concerns. Fallen trees, debris on tracks, and dangerous wind conditions made rail travel unsafe, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to delay their journeys.

Britain also faced serious impact from Storm Goretti. The National Grid reported that about 57,000 homes were without power as the storm brought fresh snowfall on top of an already cold and freezing week. Snow and ice made roads slippery and increased the risk of accidents, while strong winds caused further damage to power networks.

Scotland and parts of central England were among the worst affected areas. Authorities announced that hundreds of schools were expected to remain closed as a precaution to protect students and staff. Rail companies warned people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, and several train services were cancelled or suspended.

Emergency teams and utility workers were deployed across both countries to restore power and clear damaged infrastructure. Weather officials urged people to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow local safety advice until conditions improved.

Storm Goretti has once again highlighted how extreme weather can quickly disrupt modern life. With homes losing power, transport systems shutting down, and public services affected, the storm has raised fresh concerns about preparedness and resilience during severe winter weather.