Storm Goretti Impacts Calvados and Île-de-France with Wind Alerts and Disruptions

Storm Goretti causes strong winds, power outages, and public safety restrictions in Calvados and Île-de-France.

    Key details

  • • Calvados under yellow alert with 62,500 people without electricity and emergency shelters opened.
  • • Île-de-France experienced wind gusts up to 105 km/h, maintaining a yellow alert with public access bans to woods and parks.
  • • Significant traffic disruptions due to fallen trees and power lines in Calvados; transport services gradually resuming.
  • • Firefighters, police, and rescue teams have been actively responding with numerous interventions to ensure public safety.

Storm Goretti has led to widespread disruptions and security measures across the Calvados and Île-de-France regions. In Calvados, a yellow weather alert for strong winds has been in effect since 8 AM, with significant traffic disruptions caused by fallen trees and downed power lines. Approximately 62,500 people are without electricity as ENEDIS teams work to restore service, and emergency shelters have opened, including one in Caen. Public access to coastal and forest areas has been restricted to ensure safety.

In Île-de-France, the storm brought intense winds with gusts up to 105 km/h, classified as a remarkable winter storm due to sustained winds over 90 km/h for nearly ten hours. Despite the lifting of an orange alert on January 9, a yellow alert remains in force. Prefectural orders prohibit access to woods, parks, and gardens to mitigate risks from falling trees. Authorities have issued safety guidance advising residents to limit travel, secure outdoor objects, and avoid roof work.

Both regions are experiencing disruptions to transport infrastructure; heavy vehicles have been allowed to resume crossing the Calix viaduct in Calvados, and railway services have been progressively restored since early January. The collective efforts of firefighters, police, and rescue personnel have included over 90 interventions in Calvados alone, focusing on rescues and safety enforcement.

Residents in affected departments are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to official safety recommendations as cleanup and recovery continue.

This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

The top news stories in France

Delivered straight to your inbox each morning.