Ferries, airports and rail networks across the United Kingdom and France were plunged into fresh turmoil on Friday as Storm Goretti battered northern Europe with hurricane-force gusts, heavy snow and freezing rain, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and forcing widespread cancellations for travelers on both sides of the Channel.

More News

Storm Goretti lashes the Channel coasts

Storm Goretti, one of the most powerful systems of the 2025–26 European windstorm season, swept into the British Isles from the Atlantic before barreling across the English Channel into northern France.

Weather agencies reported gusts well above 120 kilometers per hour along exposed coasts, with northern France recording peak speeds above 200 kilometers per hour and widespread structural damage in coastal communities.

The intensity of the storm prompted red and orange weather alerts in multiple regions, including Brittany, Normandy and the Paris basin, as well as high-level warnings across parts of southwest England, Wales, the Midlands and Scotland.

Authorities in both countries highlighted the combined risk of severe winds, heavy snow, black ice and coastal flooding, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential journeys.

In France, energy providers said roughly 380,000 homes, largely in Normandy and Brittany, were without electricity on Friday morning.

In Britain, around 57,000 households lost power as the storm compounded already bitter conditions after a week of snow and sub-zero temperatures, particularly in Scotland and central England.

Repair crews were hampered by fallen trees, blocked roads and ongoing high winds.

Forecasters warned that while the most violent gusts would ease through Friday evening, knock-on disruption to transport and power infrastructure could persist into the weekend, especially in rural areas and higher ground where snow accumulations remain substantial.

Airports struggle as winds and snow shut runways

Air travelers faced major disruption as airport operators in the UK and France moved to shut runways and thin out schedules in the face of crosswinds too strong for safe operations.

Airlines preemptively cut flights on Thursday night and Friday morning, but worsening conditions still forced last-minute cancellations and diversions across multiple hubs.

In the UK, London Heathrow scaled back its timetable as air traffic controllers reduced the flow of arrivals and departures.

Dozens of flights were cancelled, affecting thousands of passengers, many of whom had already endured delays earlier in the week due to snow and de-icing backlogs.

Passengers reported long queues at customer service desks as airlines scrambled to rebook travelers on limited remaining seats.

Birmingham Airport was hit particularly hard after snowfall and ice overnight forced a prolonged runway closure, with aircraft diverted to other UK airports and services grounded for hours.

Further north, challenging conditions affected operations at Manchester, while smaller regional airports endured intermittent closures as snowplows struggled to keep runways clear and crosswinds breached safety thresholds.

Across the Channel, disruption was also widespread. In France, major airports serving Paris and the northwest reported cancellations and delays as Storm Goretti drove intense gusts inland.

Some flights were grounded purely due to conditions over affected air corridors, even where departure or arrival airports remained technically open.

Airlines advised passengers not to travel to the airport without confirmed rebookings and warned that phone lines and digital chat services were experiencing heavy demand.

Rail operators issue ‘do not travel’ warnings

Britain’s rail network was again in crisis mode as operators issued stark “do not travel” messages for some of the worst-affected regions.

The combination of gale-force winds, heavy snow and ice created dangerous conditions for trains, with fallen trees, downed power lines and drifting snow blocking tracks across multiple routes.

In southwest England, services in Cornwall were suspended from Thursday evening, with no replacement buses available due to unsafe road conditions.

On Friday, lines in parts of Devon, including routes linking Exeter to Okehampton and Barnstaple, remained shut.

Further north, the Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield was closed, and rail firms warned that assessments and repairs could take until at least Saturday before a full service could resume.

National Rail advised passengers in several regions to reconsider or postpone journeys, emphasizing that trains which were running could still be subject to sudden cancellations or severe overcrowding.

With staff struggling to gain access to damaged sections of line in blizzard conditions, operators warned that real-time information would remain fluid throughout the day and that timetables effectively no longer applied along some corridors.

In France, the national operator SNCF implemented sweeping suspensions across the northwest. Services between Paris and Normandy were halted, with regional trains in Manche and other parts of Normandy cancelled from Thursday evening and remaining off the tracks through at least Friday afternoon.

In Brittany and Hauts-de-France, further cancellations and reductions left many communities briefly cut off by rail, with authorities urging residents not to rely on trains for essential travel.

Channel and regional ferries caught in the storm

Ferry operators across the Channel and the wider North Atlantic region spent Friday juggling early sailings, cancellations and significant delays as Storm Goretti whipped up high seas and powerful crosswinds.

Maritime authorities reported heavy swells in the English Channel and Irish Sea, forcing captains and companies to weigh schedule reliability against passenger and crew safety.

Irish Ferries adjusted multiple sailings between Holyhead and Dublin, bringing some departures forward in an attempt to outrun the worst of the conditions and cancelling others outright as winds intensified.

On the critical Dover–Calais corridor, delays stacked up through the morning with several services either scrubbed or operating well behind schedule as vessels negotiated difficult berthing conditions.

Brittany Ferries also revised its plans, including the cancellation of a Friday morning Poole–Cherbourg sailing as forecasters warned of severe gusts and treacherous seas in the western Channel.

The company and its competitors cautioned that new disruptions could be announced at short notice through Friday night and into Saturday as the storm tracked east and residual swell continued to pound coastal routes.

In northern waters, operators serving Scotland’s islands signaled a rolling pattern of potential disruption. Northlink, which connects mainland Scotland with Orkney and Shetland, warned that services could be affected from Friday through Monday, citing a prolonged period of heavy seas and gale-force winds.

Passengers were advised to monitor updates frequently and to consider deferring non-essential trips, particularly where onward rail or road connections might already be compromised.

Road closures, power cuts and school shutdowns

On the roads, authorities in both the UK and France tackled a fast-moving mix of hazards: fallen trees, power lines, surface flooding, drifting snow and large debris blown from coastal defenses and buildings.

Police forces and motorway operators closed sections of key routes where conditions became too dangerous for high-sided or all vehicles, particularly in upland stretches and exposed bridges.

In Britain, treacherous black ice formed where earlier snow compacted and then refroze under frigid air, particularly in Wales, the Midlands and northern England.

Several major A-roads were shut after collisions and jack-knifed lorries, while mountain passes and remote rural roads were effectively impassable.

Motoring organizations warned that even vehicles equipped with winter tires and chains could struggle on untreated routes and urged drivers to carry emergency kits if travel was unavoidable.

Across the Channel, French authorities reported numerous road closures in Normandy and Brittany as winds hurled debris onto coastal highways and uprooted trees along forested stretches.

With power outages affecting traffic signals and street lighting in some urban areas, local officials implemented temporary traffic controls and appealed for patience from residents stuck in long tailbacks or unable to leave their communities.

The storm also forced widespread school closures, particularly in Scotland and central England, where blizzard conditions made journeys unsafe for school buses and staff.

In France’s northern regions, education authorities shuttered numerous establishments for at least Friday, with the prospect of extended closures if damage assessments revealed dangerous conditions on school grounds or surrounding infrastructure.

Airlines, rail firms and hotels face passenger backlash

As Storm Goretti’s full impact on the transport system became clear, travel providers found themselves under intense pressure from stranded passengers seeking refunds, rebookings and overnight accommodation.

Airlines across Europe reported thousands of cancellations and delays linked to the storm, stretching call centers and digital support channels beyond capacity.

At major hubs, especially in London and Paris, scenes of confusion unfolded as passengers received text messages and app alerts about cancellations only after arriving at the airport.

Airline staff stressed that safety considerations overrode schedule commitments, but many travelers voiced frustration about limited rebooking options and the scarcity of available hotel rooms near terminals as evening approached.

Rail operators in the UK and France faced similar criticism. Despite attempts to issue early “do not travel” alerts, many commuters and leisure travelers still turned up at stations hoping to complete essential journeys.

When lines were abruptly closed or services suspended midway, passengers contended with packed concourses, queues for ticket refunds and limited alternative routing.

Network managers acknowledged the strain but argued that rapidly evolving weather conditions and fresh damage reports made firm commitments impossible.

In city centers and transport hubs, hotels and short-term rentals saw a surge in last-minute bookings from travelers unable to reach their final destinations. Industry groups said occupancy had spiked in several regions, with some properties offering discounted emergency rates.

Consumer advocates, however, reminded travelers to keep receipts and documentation, noting that under European air passenger regulations and domestic consumer laws they may be entitled to compensation or at least duty-of-care support in some circumstances, despite the storm being classified as an extreme weather event.

What travelers should do next

With cleanup operations only just beginning and weather warnings still active in parts of the UK and France, officials and travel experts advised passengers to assume that disruption could last well beyond Friday.

Even where skies begin to clear, lingering snow, ice and structural damage to rail lines, ports and airport infrastructure are likely to constrain capacity for several days.

Transport authorities urged travelers not to embark on journeys without first checking the latest updates directly with carriers or through official rail and road information channels.

Printed timetables and routine schedules should be treated as suspended in the most affected regions, with operators running ad hoc services based on track inspections and staff availability.

Passengers holding flexible tickets were encouraged to shift their travel to later dates where possible.

Those already stranded were advised to prioritize securing accommodation and essential supplies, particularly in smaller towns where evening services may be sparse.

Travelers with medical needs, infants or mobility challenges were urged to alert staff or emergency services if they were unable to leave drafty stations or terminals.

Volunteer groups and local authorities in several cities set up temporary warming centers to support people caught away from home.

Looking ahead, meteorologists indicated that Goretti would continue to move eastward across northern Europe, with Germany, the Low Countries and parts of Scandinavia facing further bouts of heavy snow and strong winds.

For the UK and France, the focus will shift to restoration and recovery, with engineering teams tasked with clearing lines, inspecting bridges, and repairing damaged signaling and power systems before the next weather system approaches.

FAQ

Q1: Is it safe to travel by train in the UK and France during Storm Goretti?
Rail authorities in both countries strongly advise against non-essential travel on the worst affected lines. Many routes, particularly in southwest England, the Midlands, Normandy, Brittany and Hauts-de-France, are suspended or operating on severely reduced emergency timetables. Travelers should assume significant disruption and only travel if absolutely necessary after checking live updates.

Q2: Are flights still operating from major airports like Heathrow, Gatwick and Paris Charles de Gaulle?
Some flights are operating, but airlines have reduced schedules and many services are delayed or cancelled due to crosswinds, snow and airspace restrictions. Passengers should not go to the airport without a confirmed, operating booking and should monitor airline notifications closely, as conditions and schedules may change at short notice.

Q3: What is happening to ferry services across the English Channel and Irish Sea?
Ferry companies have cancelled or rescheduled numerous crossings, including some Dover–Calais, Poole–Cherbourg and Holyhead–Dublin sailings. High seas and strong winds are making certain routes unsafe. Passengers should expect rolling changes, check sailing status regularly and be prepared for delays even on services that are still scheduled to run.

Q4: Will I be entitled to compensation if my flight or train is cancelled because of Storm Goretti?
Compensation rules vary by country and mode of transport, but extreme weather is often treated as an extraordinary circumstance, which can limit compensation for delays or cancellations. However, airlines and rail operators may still owe a duty of care, such as providing meals, refreshments or hotel accommodation in some situations. Travelers should read the conditions of carriage and contact their provider for specific guidance.

Q5: How long is the disruption expected to last?
While the strongest winds are forecast to ease within about 24 hours, the knock-on impact on transport networks could persist through the weekend. Fallen trees, damaged overhead lines, blocked roads and ongoing snow and ice will take time to clear. Travelers should plan for residual disruption, particularly on rural rail routes and secondary roads.

Q6: What should I do if I am stranded at an airport or station overnight?
If you become stranded, contact your airline, rail operator or ferry company first to clarify rebooking options and any assistance available. If no immediate onward travel is possible, prioritize arranging accommodation and basic supplies. In some cities, local authorities or volunteer organizations may open warming centers, and staff at the station or airport can direct you to available support services.

Q7: Are rental cars a good alternative while trains and flights are disrupted?
In many affected regions, road conditions are extremely hazardous due to black ice, snowdrifts, debris and high winds. Authorities are warning against unnecessary driving and have closed some key routes. Renting a car may not be safer or more reliable than waiting for public transport to resume, especially for drivers unfamiliar with winter driving in severe conditions.

Q8: How can I stay updated on changing travel conditions?
Use official airline apps, rail operator websites, national rail information services and local traffic advisories rather than relying on third-party summaries or printed timetables. Many providers offer push notifications for specific bookings. Travelers should refresh information often, as status updates can change multiple times within a few hours as inspections are completed and new weather data arrives.

Q9: What precautions should I take if I must travel during the storm?
If travel is unavoidable, allow extra time, carry warm clothing, food, water, phone chargers and essential medication. Inform friends or family of your route and expected arrival time, and be prepared for sudden changes such as diversions or line closures. Follow all instructions from transport staff and emergency services, and do not attempt to bypass closures or barriers.

Q10: Could similar storms affect travel again this winter?
Meteorologists note that the 2025–26 winter season has already produced several strong Atlantic systems, and further storms are possible in the coming weeks. While not every system will be as disruptive as Goretti, travelers should remain alert to forecasts, particularly if planning long-distance journeys across northern Europe, and build flexibility into itineraries where possible.