Storm Goretti: Extreme Winds Batter Northern France and UK

Paris, 10 January 2026 – Storm Goretti, a rapidly intensifying Atlantic low named by Météo-France, brought violent winds and significant disruptions to northern France and southern England over the weekend. With gusts exceeding 200 km/h in some areas, the storm caused power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of homes, halted transport services, and led to heavy snowfall in parts of the UK.

Devastation in Northern France

The storm made landfall in Brittany on Thursday evening before sweeping across Normandy and northern France. In the Cotentin Peninsula, wind gusts reached a record 213 km/h at Barfleur, surpassing previous highs and causing extensive damage. Other locations reported gusts between 150 km/h and 200 km/h, leading to fallen trees, roof collapses, and power lines down. Enedis reported 380,000 homes without electricity by early Friday, with Normandy accounting for 266,200 of those. Emergency services mobilised thousands of technicians to restore power, while schools and trains were suspended in affected areas. The storm’s sting jet phenomenon contributed to the intense, localised winds, a meteorological feature where a narrow corridor of air descends rapidly, amplifying gusts.

UK Impacts and Warnings

Across the Channel, the Met Office issued a rare red warning for winds in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where gusts up to 100 mph (160 km/h) were recorded, including a new site record of 99 mph at St Mary’s Airport. Amber warnings for snow covered Wales and the Midlands, with accumulations of 10-30 cm possible, particularly in hilly areas like the Peak District. Heavy rain turned to snow in colder regions, disrupting travel and causing road closures. Over 25,000 properties lost power in south-west England, and airports like Birmingham suspended operations due to snow. The storm was described as a “weather bomb” due to its rapid pressure drop, posing dangers from flying debris and coastal flooding.

Key Facts / Stats

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused Storm Goretti’s extreme winds?

The storm featured a sting jet, a rare phenomenon where intense winds form in a narrow band within rapidly deepening Atlantic lows. This led to gusts far exceeding typical storm winds, particularly along the English Channel coasts.

How did the storm affect daily life in France?

In Île-de-France and northern regions, orange wind alerts prompted closures of parks, disruptions to RER and Transilien lines, and advice to avoid travel. Power cuts and fallen trees compounded issues, with gradual restoration underway.

Was this storm comparable to previous events?

Goretti was similar in intensity to Storm Ciaran in 2023 but less widespread than the 1987 Great Storm. It highlighted the risks of explosive cyclogenesis in winter, with rapid pressure drops fuelling severe weather.