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Storm Goretti Hits France and England, Leaves Thousands Powerless

1/10/2026

Center

Goretti Disrupts Regions

Storm Goretti has caused significant disruption across northern France and southern England.
On January 9, 2026, high winds and precipitation affected the region, with gusts up to 216 km/h in France.
Approximately 380,000 homes lost power in Normandy, and over 57,000 were affected in the United Kingdom.
The Met Office issued a rare red warning for parts of southwestern England as schools closed and transport services faced cancellations.

Right

Goretti Disrupts Travel

Storm Goretti disrupts travel and power across the UK, with heavy snow closing runways at East Midlands and Birmingham Airports.
The Met Office issued an amber warning for northern Wales and the Midlands, predicting 5–10 cm of snow, some areas up to 30 cm, with more weekend warnings.
National Grid reports power outages affecting thousands, especially in Shropshire and Wolverhampton.
Rail services remain severely disrupted, with multiple lines closed and travel advised against.

History

Historical Context

The Great Storm of 1987 struck southern England on October 15, causing 22 fatalities and uprooting over 15 million trees. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, it led to widespread power outages and significant damage, particularly in Kent and Sussex. The storm prompted major improvements in weather forecasting by the Met Office, enhancing future emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

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Goretti Disrupts Regions

Storm Goretti has caused significant disruption across northern France and southern England.
On January 9, 2026, high winds and precipitation affected the region, with gusts up to 216 km/h in France.
Approximately 380,000 homes lost power in Normandy, and over 57,000 were affected in the United Kingdom.
The Met Office issued a rare red warning for parts of southwestern England as schools closed and transport services faced cancellations.

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