Storm goretti batters Northern France, Leaving Thousands Without Power
A powerful storm system, dubbed Goretti, impacted the Côte d’Opale region of France beginning at 2:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. While the most intense phase of the storm subsided by 8:00 a.m., significant disruptions and damage continue to be reported across northern France.
Initial Impacts and Injuries
The storm’s immediate effects included widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. A 26-year-old man was hospitalized after sustaining injuries from a fall while attempting to repair a roof tile, according to a statement released by the Northern prefecture at 10:40 a.m.on Friday. the prefecture confirmed that the individual was receiving medical care.
Widespread disruptions and Emergency Response
As of 6:30 a.m. on Friday, authorities reported two minor injuries in addition to the serious injury sustained in the North. Six property accidents were recorded,and two individuals were relocated due to safety concerns. Fallen trees presented a major obstacle, blocking traffic on 43 roads throughout the affected region. Six additional minor property accidents were also reported.
Power Outages and Traffic Restrictions
The storm’s impact on infrastructure has left approximately 25,500 customers without electricity in the Hauts-de-France region, according to data from Enedis. the breakdown of outages by department includes:
- 5,500 customers in Pas-de-Calais
- 1,500 customers in the North
- 1,500 customers in the Aisne
- 9,000 customers in the Oise
- 8,000 customers in the Somme
To mitigate risks, speed limits were temporarily reduced until 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Motorways saw limits lowered to 110 km/h from 130 km/h, while roads typically limited to 110 km/h were reduced to 90 km/h. Departmental roads were restricted to 70 km/h. A fallen tree also disrupted rail traffic on the A23 motorway near raismes, impacting travel between Lille and Valenciennes.
Ongoing Weather Alerts and Regional Forecasts
Météo France issued a yellow alert for Pas-de-Calais at 8:00 a.m. on Friday,remaining in effect until midnight. the national weather service also warned of significant wind gusts expected along the Atlantic coast, particularly in the Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques, accompanied by stormy precipitation and localized sleet.
national Impact and Recovery Efforts
Beyond the initial impact zone, the storm, named Goretti by Météo France, originated as a low-pressure system over the North Sea. It intensified rapidly Thursday evening, bringing sustained winds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) to the Côte d’Opale. The storm caused widespread disruption to transportation networks, including ferry services and regional train lines. enedis, the French electricity distributor, mobilized over 400 technicians to restore power, prioritizing critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services. The storm’s intensity diminished by Friday morning as it moved eastward, but lingering effects continued to hamper recovery
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