Storm Goretti Causes Severe Wind Damage and Disruptions Across Normandy and Île-de-France

Storm Goretti struck the northwestern regions of France with remarkable force during the night of January 8-9, 2026, bringing recorded wind gusts as high as 213 km/h in Barfleur, Manche. This intense "weather bomb," noted for its rapid formation and explosive growth, caused widespread infrastructure damage and significant disruptions to public services and transportation.

Over 380,000 households, primarily in Normandy but also including Brittany and the Pays-de-la-Loire, experienced power outages due to the storm's impact. In the Manche department alone, electricity was cut to around 50,000 homes, with authorities mobilizing about 1,000 firefighters to respond to emergencies. The prefecture urged residents to remain indoors and prepared for prolonged outages with adequate supplies. Schools were closed in Manche and Seine-Maritime as a precaution.

Transportation services were heavily affected, particularly in Île-de-France where train operations faced severe interruptions. Saint-Lazare station was completely shut down, with lines J, N, and P experiencing suspensions or delays. The RER network also faced disruptions, including halted traffic on RER E between Villiers-sur-Marne and Tournan and multiple issues on RER A due to fallen trees. Efforts to clear tracks have been ongoing since early morning, with gradual normalization anticipated around mid-morning though risks remain.

The storm also prompted maritime precautions, with authorities warning against sea navigation due to waves expected to exceed 10 meters, resulting in the closure of landmarks such as the Mont Saint-Michel abbey and key bridges. The combined effect of strong winds and rising sea levels posed additional hazards along the coast.

Jean-Benoît Albertini, the prefect of Normandy, described the storm as an unprecedented event in scale and severity, underscoring the challenges faced by emergency services. The Met Office in the UK also issued a red alert for Cornwall due to related severe weather.

While the red alert for Manche has since been downgraded to orange, 33 departments across France remain under orange vigilance. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and manage ongoing disruptions.

Storm Goretti's rapid intensification and trajectory from west to east resulted in notably high wind speeds and consequential damage, marking it as a major atmospheric event affecting both Normandy and Île-de-France regions.