Severe snowstorms batter northern Europe

Transport disruptions across Europe

Air travel was severely affected, with around 50 flights cancelled at London’s Heathrow Airport alone. Disruptions extended across the continent, from the Czech Republic to Russia, where more than 300 flights were cancelled at four airports serving Moscow. Rail services were also suspended in several regions, particularly in southwest England, where all train services were halted.

Weather warnings and public safety alerts

Meteorological agencies from Britain to Germany urged residents to remain indoors as severe weather warnings were issued. Britain’s Met Office declared a rare red alert for strong winds in the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall, warning of dangerous coastal conditions and enormous waves. Orange warnings were also issued for heavy snowfall in parts of Wales, central England, and northern England.

Widespread power outages

Storm Goretti caused extensive power cuts across several countries. In Britain, around 50,000 homes remained without electricity by Friday afternoon, while more than 250 schools were closed across Scotland. In France, the storm left approximately 320,000 homes without power, mainly in the Normandy region, according to energy provider Enedis.

Damage and extreme conditions

Authorities reported that winds uprooted trees across affected areas, with at least one tree falling onto a house in France’s Seine-Maritime region, though no injuries were reported. In England and Wales, winds of up to 160 kilometres per hour battered coastal regions, while snowfall of up to 30 centimetres was forecast in some areas, compounding the severe conditions.