Storm Goretti Forces Eurostar Train Cancellations and Hundreds of Flights Grounded

Western Europe is bracing for severe weather as Storm Goretti wreaks havoc across the continent. The first named storm of the year has enveloped the Atlantic coast, leading to significant disruptions in travel and transport.

Storm Goretti’s Impact on Travel

Storm Goretti has led to flight cancellations and travel delays across major European airports. Significant disruptions were reported at:

• Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris: Approximately 100 flights were cancelled due to heavy snowfall.
• Orly Airport, Paris: An additional 40 flights were grounded.
• Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam: At least 700 flight cancellations occurred, leaving over 1,000 passengers stranded overnight.
• Brussels Airport: At least 40 flights were cancelled, with extensive delays expected throughout the day.
• Budapest Airport: Reported 20 cancellations following one of the most substantial snowfalls in 15 years.

Train Services Affected

The Eurostar services between London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels are experiencing severe delays and cancellations due to Storm Goretti. Rail operator NS in the Netherlands has advised passengers to postpone non-essential travel as snowfall affects both domestic and international services.

Public Transport Status in France

In the Paris region, all public bus services were suspended. However, the metro and suburban rail systems remained operational. The French state railway company, SNCF, warned of disruptions due to snow accumulation on the tracks.

Weather Warnings Across Europe

Meteo France has issued alerts for 38 out of 96 mainland departments, emphasizing that the cold snap is of “rare intensity for the season.” The public is urged to avoid unnecessary travel.

In the UK, a yellow warning for strong winds is active in Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly. Snow warnings are also in place across Bristol, Bath, and surrounding areas, lasting until midday Friday.

Safety Alerts and Warnings

Governments are cautioning citizens about the risks associated with icy conditions. The UK Health Security Agency has extended amber cold health alerts for England until Sunday.

Casualties from Severe Weather

The severe weather conditions have unfortunately resulted in fatalities. In France, five individuals have died due to cold-related incidents, including road accidents linked to black ice. Similarly, in Hungary and Bosnia, tragic incidents related to snowfall have been reported.

Storm Goretti continues to pose a significant threat to transport and safety across Western Europe, with further updates expected as conditions evolve. Passengers are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions.