Storm Goretti Batters France: 380,000 Homes Without Power as Fierce Winds Cause Chaos

Storm Goretti Strikes: France Faces Powerful Winter Weather

France awoke to chaos on the morning of January 9, 2026, as Storm Goretti swept across the country with hurricane-force winds. Gusts of up to 213 km/h were recorded in Barfleur (Normandy), leaving 380,000 homes without electricity and causing widespread damage and transport disruption across northern France.

Enedis, the national electricity distributor, confirmed that Normandy was the most affected region, while Brittany, Picardy, Île-de-France and the Pays de la Loire also endured severe power cuts.

Massive Power Outages Across the Country

The storm, described by forecasters as a “bomb cyclone”, hit with extraordinary force overnight.

Normandy: 266,200 homes suffering blackouts.
Brittany: 21,000 homes cut off.
Picardy: 18,500 without electricity.
Île-de-France: 13,500 outages.
Pays de la Loire: 6,400 impacted, including Sarthe and Mayenne.

Enedis deployed over 1,600 technicians and 650 contractors in an emergency effort to restore power. Reinforcements from Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes joined the response through the company’s Force d’intervention rapide électricité (FIRE) network.

Transport Disruptions and School Closures

Transport networks across the country faced major interruptions as trees, debris, and power lines obstructed rail and road routes.

Rail: TER services were halted across Normandy, Brittany, and the Hauts-de-France.
Île-de-France: Lines N, U, and RER D were suspended, and the RER A severely delayed.
Roads: Many rural routes in Normandy and Picardy were blocked by fallen trees.
Schools: Closed on Friday in the Manche and Seine-Maritime for safety reasons.

Authorities urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain alert until conditions stabilised.

Major Material Damage but No Major Casualties

Despite its ferocity, Storm Goretti caused extensive material damage but no reported fatalities. Emergency services responded to hundreds of incidents, including destroyed roofs, flooding, and road blockages.

In Roncherolles-sur-le-Vivier (Seine-Maritime), a 45-metre tree crashed onto five homes, forcing families to evacuate.
Coastal flooding was reported at Étretat, Dieppe, and Fécamp, with some ports temporarily closed.
Firefighters across northern France worked through the night to clear blocked roads and secure fallen power lines.

Météo-France maintained 21 departments under orange alert until early Friday, with conditions slowly improving as the storm moved toward the North Sea.

Meteorologists Warn of More Instability

Although the worst appears to be over, Météo-France has warned that unstable weather patterns may continue through the weekend. Some areas in the north and west of France could still experience strong gusts and heavy rain.

Households are advised to stay cautious, check local weather alerts, and prepare for potential secondary disruptions.

How to Stay Safe During Storms in France

French authorities and Météo-France regularly issue safety advice during severe weather events. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself and your home when a storm like Goretti hits:

Before the Storm

Secure outdoor objects (garden furniture, shutters, bins) to prevent them from being blown away.
Charge mobile phones and backup batteries in case of power cuts.
Prepare essential supplies: torches, batteries, warm clothing, and a first aid kit.
Check local alerts from Météo-France and local authorities.

During the Storm

Stay indoors and away from windows.
Avoid unnecessary travel until authorities confirm safe conditions.
Do not touch downed cables or trees near power lines.
Avoid using landline phones during lightning activity.

After the Storm

Wait for official notices before venturing out to assess damage.
Report power outages or hazards to Enedis via their emergency number (09 726 750 XX — replace “XX” with your department number).
Support neighbours, especially the elderly or those living alone, who may need help.

By staying informed and prepared, residents can significantly reduce risk and recover faster after major storms like Goretti.