Winter storm Elli brings heavy snow and strong winds to parts of Germany, in Hamburg, Germany, January 9, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer)

According to meteorological agencies, Storm Goretti swept across the UK and France with exceptionally strong winds, reaching up to 216 kilometers per hour in France’s Manche region, an intensity rarely seen in recent years. The storms uprooted trees, damaged homes, and caused widespread power outages.

In France, around 380,000 households were left without electricity, while several ports and coastal roads were closed due to large waves overtopping sea defenses.

Warning sign on the A9 road near Aviemore, Scotland, UK, as Scotland experiences a severe cold spell after storm Goretti. (Photo: REUTERS/Russell Cheyne)

Severe weather also disrupted air travel. At London’s Heathrow Airport alone, about 50 flights were canceled, affecting thousands of passengers.

In Germany, Winter Storm Elli brought heavy snow and strong winds, forcing national railway operator Deutsche Bahn to suspend all long-distance train services in the northern region, particularly around Hannover, one of the country’s key transport hubs.

Beyond Western Europe, extreme weather also affected Eastern Europe. Meteorologists warn that although climate change has generally made European winters milder, episodes of intense cold accompanied by blizzards can still occur and are expected to become increasingly unpredictable.