Tempête Goretti Causes Extensive Disruption Across French Coastal Departments

Tempête Goretti swept through several French coastal departments on the night of January 8 to 9, 2026, bringing severe winds, widespread damage, and significant power outages. Authorities from Seine-Maritime, Côtes-d’Armor, and Pas-de-Calais reported extensive emergency interventions and ongoing recovery efforts.

In Seine-Maritime, winds peaked at 156 km/h in Le Havre and 154 km/h in Fécamp, prompting over 500 firefighter interventions for fallen trees and building damage. Coastal towns such as Étretat and Fécamp faced major wave submersion, resulting in considerable material damage and blocked roads. Approximately 56,000 residents (8.5% of the local population) experienced power outages, with ENEDIS actively restoring electricity. The SNCF rail network was disrupted but expected to resume by Sunday, and the port of Dieppe was temporarily closed due to unsafe sea conditions before reopening. A psychological support service was activated to assist residents affected by the storm. Despite the severity, emergency messages via FR-Alert helped prevent casualties.

In Côtes-d’Armor, there were about 100 emergency interventions, involving removal of fallen trees, downed power lines, and minor accidents. Around 7,500 homes remained without power as crews worked on repairs. Safety measures included a prefectural decree suspending activities in 62 municipalities to protect technicians during recovery. Traffic restrictions on roads have since lifted, and nautical activities resumed along the coast. Authorities urged vigilance, advising against roof work and contact with downed wires.

Pas-de-Calais remained under a yellow alert for strong winds until 9 PM and for rain and flooding until midnight. Authorities reported 11 minor accidents and three light injuries by 9 AM, with 1,500 households still lacking electricity. Traffic limits have been eased except on viaducts where a 90 km/h speed limit persists due to wind gusts. Access to forests is prohibited, and residents are cautioned against visiting coastal and park areas. Security forces remain fully mobilized for continued safety.

Overall, Tempête Goretti's impact was severe but managed through coordinated emergency response across affected departments, with power restoration and infrastructure clearing well underway.