Europe is enduring severe weather after a winter storm struck the northern areas, resulting in strong winds, heavy snowfall, transport system paralysis, school closures, and hundreds of thousands of households losing electricity.
Strong winds battered France and the United Kingdom, while meteorological agencies across countries from the UK to Germany issued warnings advising people to avoid leaving their homes. In England, a rare red wind warning, the highest level, was declared covering the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall in the southwest.
In France, Storm "Goretti" caused power outages in about 380,000 homes, mostly in the northern Normandy region.
French authorities reported that around midnight, wind gusts reached a peak of 216 kilometers per hour in the Manche region in the northwest. The strong winds caused trees to fall in several areas, including one that toppled onto a residential building in the Saint-Maurice area, though no injuries were reported.
Currently, many schools in northern France remain closed following weather warnings issued for over 30 regions. Manche police posted on the social media platform X, advising residents to stay in safe locations, avoid using vehicles, and prepare emergency supplies.
Giant waves battered port walls in the far northwest of France throughout the night. As the storm moved eastward, it caused flooding, road closures, and the shutdown of key ports including the city of Dieppe.
In England and Wales, wind gusts reached up to 160 kilometers per hour. The UK Met Office warned that large sea waves would put coastal areas at risk, issuing yellow snow warnings for Wales, central England, and parts of northern England. Some areas could see snowfall up to 30 centimeters. National Grid UK reported over 42,000 homes without power in the southwest and thousands more in other areas.
Rail services in the United Kingdom were severely affected. The national rail company stated that train services would be disrupted for at least two days and urged the public to avoid travel unless necessary.
Reports indicate that at least eight people across Europe have died in weather-related accidents this week. The latest was a man in the city of Durrës, Albania, who drowned after flooding, following heavy snow and continuous rain in the Balkans.
In Scotland, hundreds of schools have been closed for the fifth consecutive day, leaving many students unable to return to classes after the Christmas holidays.
Northern Germany was hit by another storm named “Elli,” forcing school closures in Hamburg and Bremen, and cancellation of all long-distance train services in the north. Snowfall up to 15 centimeters is expected in the north, with icy road risks in the south.
The German Weather Service (DWD) said the storm would affect the region until Saturday, with snowfall expected to cease by Monday. DWD meteorologists noted this event is unusual compared to recent years, as winters have generally warmed due to climate change.
In Russia, severe cold weather led to the cancellation of about 300 flights in the Moscow area, with officials working to clear runways and de-ice aircraft for safety.
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