Key Takeaways
- Thousands of homes and businesses across northern France and southern England were left without power due to Storm Goretti
- Over 57,000 people in southwestern England, the Midlands, and Wales were affected by power outages
- The storm brought high winds, rain, and snow to the region, causing travel delays and disruptions
- More than 250 schools in Scotland were closed due to heavy snowfall
- National Rail warned people to check before traveling due to disrupted services across the UK
- A rare red weather warning was issued by the Met Office, indicating life-threatening conditions
Introduction to Storm Goretti
The region of northern France and southern England was hit by a powerful storm on January 9, 2026, causing widespread disruptions and power outages. The storm, named Storm Goretti, brought high winds, rain, and snow to the area, affecting thousands of homes and businesses. The low-pressure system pummeled the Isles of Scilly overnight, with wind gusts reaching up to 99 mph (159 kph). Local government officials reported blocked roads, unstable buildings, and power outages that left some people without water. The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with over 57,000 people in southwestern England, the Midlands, and Wales affected by power outages.
Impact on the United Kingdom
As the storm moved across the United Kingdom, it collided with an existing mass of Arctic air, bringing snow to northern areas and heavy rain to the south. This extended the misery in northern Scotland, where snowplows have been working overtime to keep roads open after more than half a meter (20 inches) of snow fell earlier in the week. More than 250 schools across Scotland were closed on Friday, with some remaining shut for a fifth straight day. National Rail warned people across the UK to check before traveling because the storm had disrupted services across England, Scotland, and Wales. Birmingham Airport, which closed briefly due to snow, said it had reopened with "reduced runway operations." The disruptions came after the Met Office, Britain’s national weather service, issued a rare red weather warning – its highest – in southwestern England for Thursday evening.
Disruptions in France
Strong winds from Storm Goretti also battered northwestern France on Friday, knocking out power to about 380,000 homes, authorities said. No major damage was reported Friday morning. Most of the outages were concentrated in the Normandy region, according to Enedis, the national power grid operator. France’s national weather service, Météo-France, had issued weather warnings ahead of the storm, urging residents to remain home. An overnight wind gust of up to 213 kph (132 mph) was recorded in Gatteville-le-Phare in Normandy. Regional train services were suspended across northwestern France, with disruptions expected to last at least until Friday afternoon. High-speed rail services were operating, and authorities said they anticipated minimal impact on flights at Paris airports.
Travel Disruptions and Warnings
The storm caused significant travel disruptions across the region, with National Rail warning people to check before traveling due to disrupted services across the UK. The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning, indicating life-threatening conditions, and urging people to take necessary precautions. The warning was issued for southwestern England, where the storm was expected to have the greatest impact. The French national weather service also issued weather warnings, urging residents to remain home and avoid travel unless necessary. The warnings were heeded by many, with regional train services suspended and flights at Paris airports expected to be minimally impacted.
Conclusion and Aftermath
The aftermath of Storm Goretti will likely be felt for days to come, with power outages and travel disruptions expected to continue. The storm’s impact on the region’s infrastructure and economy will also be significant, with many businesses and homes affected by the power outages and travel disruptions. The Met Office and French national weather service will continue to monitor the situation, providing updates and warnings as necessary. As the region begins to recover from the storm, it is essential for residents and travelers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The storm serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events and the need for effective emergency response systems to mitigate their impact.
