Germany and France are facing severe winter conditions as Storm Goretti sweeps across northern Europe, bringing powerful winds, heavy snowfall and widespread disruption. Northern Germany is preparing for snowfalls of up to 20cm, while freezing temperatures in some areas could fall as low as –20°C.
France was battered by strong winds that caused power outages across northern and western regions, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without electricity. Authorities issued severe weather warnings, closed schools in affected areas and advised residents to stay indoors. Rail services in north-western France were disrupted, though high-speed trains continued to operate.
In Germany, transport services were heavily affected as long-distance rail travel was suspended across much of the north due to snow and ice. Regions such as Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein were expected to be hit hardest, prompting school closures and large-scale deployment of snow-clearing crews. Officials warned that roads could become dangerous or impassable due to snowdrifts and icy conditions.
Emergency services in both countries urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions against power cuts and freezing temperatures. While central and southern Germany faced the threat of freezing rain, Berlin and surrounding areas were expected to escape the worst of the storm.
Storm Goretti has placed much of northern Europe on high alert, with authorities continuing to monitor conditions and respond to weather-related emergencies.