United Kingdom and France brace for powerful storm

Friday 09 January 2026 - 07:00

By: Sahili Aya

United Kingdom and France brace for powerful storm

The United Kingdom and France are preparing for the arrival of a powerful storm as a wave of extreme winter weather affects parts of Europe. Storm Goretti is expected to bring exceptionally strong winds and snowfall, according to meteorological authorities.

The UK Met Office warned that wind gusts could reach exceptional levels, prompting the issuance of a rare red weather alert—the highest level—for the Isles of Scilly and large areas of Cornwall in southwest England. Gusts of up to 160 kilometers per hour are possible. A similar red alert has also been issued for a department in northern France.

Around half a million people in the UK living within the red alert zone will receive emergency warnings on their mobile phones, including a ten-second alarm sound resembling a siren, the government said.

Forecasters expect winds to intensify rapidly, with violent gusts lasting several hours before easing. Authorities also warned that extremely large waves could make coastal areas particularly dangerous.

In France, where snowfall earlier in the week disrupted transport, winds of up to 160 kilometers per hour are forecast in the Manche department. Schools in the area will remain closed on Friday, and maritime authorities have urged residents not to go to sea as waves exceeding 10 meters are expected.

Elsewhere in Europe, severe weather is also causing disruption. Navigation on the Bosphorus in Turkey was temporarily suspended due to dangerous conditions, while Germany is preparing for snowstorm Elli, which is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds. Several northern German cities, including Hamburg and Bremen, plan to close schools, and Volkswagen announced the temporary shutdown of its Emden plant on Friday.