Storm Goretti Batters Northern Europe With Chaos and Disruptions
Storm 'Goretti'—known as 'Elli' in Germany—has swept across northern Europe, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy snow and icy conditions. The extreme weather has disrupted travel, forced cancellations and left thousands without power.
The storm first struck France, where 380,000 households lost electricity as gusts battered the northwest. The Flamanville nuclear plant shut down temporarily, though officials confirmed no risk to the public or environment. Staff worked remotely while repairs took place.
In Germany, blizzard conditions forced Birmingham Airport to halt operations, diverting multiple flights. Rail services faced severe delays, with Deutsche Bahn cancelling all long-distance trains in northern Germany until Sunday. Major routes—including Berlin-Hannover-Ruhr and Hamburg to Frankfurt—remain suspended, while local services around Hanover will stay closed until at least midday Friday. The weather also disrupted events, leading to the cancellation of the Bundesliga match between St. Pauli and RB Leipzig. At sea, Captain Alexander Lapp altered the course of the cruise ship AIDAnova near Norway, skipping Southampton and returning to Hamburg a day early. Despite the chaos, meteorologists downplayed fears, stating the storm was severe but not unprecedented.
The storm’s impact continues to unfold, with transport networks gradually resuming operations. Power crews in France are working to restore electricity, while German rail services face days of recovery. Authorities advise travellers to check for updates before setting out.
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