Published on
January 8, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
As the severe winter cold snap and Storm Goretti continue to cause widespread disruptions across Europe, reports from government meteorological agencies and emergency services confirm that at least six fatalities have been linked to the harsh weather conditions. As of Thursday, January 8, 2026, these deaths have occurred across multiple countries, including France, the UK, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with government officials warning of ongoing dangers related to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This winter storm has created a serious threat to human life and infrastructure across much of Western Europe.
Official Casualty Reports: Six Deaths Confirmed
The French Ministry of the Interior and local authorities have confirmed five fatalities in France, with victims succumbing to the dangers of extreme cold, snow, and ice. The deaths include three individuals who tragically lost their lives in separate road accidents caused by black ice in the southwest of France on Monday, January 5, 2026. In another incident, a taxi driver in the Île-de-France region died when his vehicle lost control in heavy snowfall and plunged into the Marne river on Monday night. Additionally, the authorities have confirmed that five fatalities have been officially linked to the weather, with the storm’s impacts still being felt in the northern half of France.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, one life has been lost as a result of the snowstorm. The Ministry of the Interior for Sarajevo confirmed that a woman tragically died in the Grbavica neighborhood of the city after a 10-meter pine tree, burdened with 40 cm of snow, collapsed onto her. The incident occurred on Monday, and the Sarajevo Prosecutor’s Office has since opened an investigation into the cause of the tragic event.
Fatalities Across Europe: Official Reports Confirm Six DeathsBreakdown of Fatalities Across Europe
Casualty Details:
- France (5 Deaths):
- Three people died in southwestern France due to road accidents caused by black ice and heavy snow.
- A taxi driver died in the Île-de-France region when his car plunged into the Marne River during heavy snowfall.
- Additional deaths have been confirmed as the storm’s impact continues in northern France.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (1 Death):
- A woman in Sarajevo was killed by a falling pine tree after it collapsed under 40 cm of snow.
Weather Warnings and Travel Disruptions:Official Weather Alerts Across Affected Regions
Government Health and Safety Alerts: Urging Caution Amid Dangerous Conditions
In response to the severe cold, government health and safety agencies across Europe have issued critical warnings urging citizens to take precautions and reduce risks. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the UK Met Office, has extended an Amber Cold Health Alert for all regions of England until Sunday, January 11, 2026. The UKHSA is particularly concerned about the elderly population, with a notable increase in the risk of fatalities among those aged 65 and older, as well as individuals with underlying health conditions. The agency has also warned that there could be a statistically significant rise in deaths as a result of the prolonged cold.
Meanwhile, the UK Met Office has also issued a Danger to Life Warning for areas in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly due to winds reaching 90 mph, which pose a significant danger from flying debris. Additionally, snow accumulation of up to 30 cm is expected in some regions, including parts of Wales and the Midlands, where roads have become hazardous.
In France, the Météo-France agency has issued a Vigilance Orange alert for 38 departments in the north, warning of significant wind speeds and snow accumulation. Coastal areas, particularly in Brittany, are bracing for gusts of up to 150 km/h, which could cause widespread damage. The Ministry of Transport in France has mandated a 40% reduction in flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) due to the severe conditions.
The Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has issued a Code Yellow/Orange warning, cautioning against non-essential travel across northern provinces, which are facing slippery conditions and snowdrifts. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid using roads in affected regions unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are expected to persist through the week.
Belgium has also been hit hard by the storm, with slippery roads making travel hazardous across much of the country. Authorities have warned that the cold snap is expected to last through the weekend, with temperatures continuing to dip below freezing.
Government Health and Safety Alerts: Urgent Warnings to Save Lives
Government agencies have issued critical warnings across Europe.
- UK (UKHSA)
- The Amber Cold Health Alert extends through Sunday, January 11.
- A significant rise in deaths is expected, especially for those aged 65+ and those with underlying health conditions.
- France (Météo-France)
- Vigilance Orange for 38 departments in the north.
- Strong winds and snow accumulation continue to pose a danger to life.
- Bosnia (Local Authorities)
- Warnings for heavy snow and falling trees are in effect, especially in urban areas.
The Impact on Infrastructure and Travel
The severe weather conditions have had a profound impact on infrastructure and transportation systems across Europe. The Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy reported widespread power outages due to the heavy snow damaging power lines, leaving many villages without electricity in the affected areas.
In France, the Ministry of the Interior has implemented road closures and bans on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on major departmental roads to prevent further accidents and reduce the strain on local authorities. This includes Seine-Maritime and Côtes-d’Armor departments, where snow accumulation has created hazardous road conditions. Authorities have also suspended school buses in some regions as a precautionary measure.
The impact on air travel has been severe, particularly in Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris CDG airports. Schiphol is reporting over 700 cancellations as the airport grapples with a de-icing fluid shortage that has significantly hampered flight operations. The shortage is a major bottleneck, delaying aircraft preparations for takeoff. Meanwhile, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris has reduced flights by 40% as per orders from the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to ensure runway safety. Orly Airport has also been severely impacted by the storm.
Eurostar, which operates high-speed rail services between London, Paris, and Brussels, has officially canceled several trains due to adverse weather conditions. This includes disruptions on routes to Amsterdam, where rail infrastructure icing has caused significant delays. As of Thursday, January 8, 2026, the storm continues to cause problems for rail services, with speed restrictions and suspended services across Europe.
Road Travel and Emergency Services on High Alert
The UK’s National Highways has issued an Amber Warning for travel in parts of Wales and the Midlands due to the ongoing snow and ice. The UK’s highways agency has advised against all non-essential travel in these regions, especially from 6:00 PM on Thursday, due to rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Many roads have been reported as impassable, and authorities are urging citizens to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
In France, local authorities are closely monitoring road conditions and working to clear snowdrifts, but delays are expected to persist. As mentioned earlier, school buses have been suspended, and local governments are advising citizens to stay indoors, especially overnight, when wind speeds are expected to peak. The Seine-Maritime and Côtes-d’Armor regions have experienced some of the worst conditions, with freezing fog and black ice contributing to road closures.
In Bosnia, emergency services continue to respond to damage caused by the snowstorm, with roads blocked and infrastructure severely impacted in the Sarajevo area. Local authorities are working to clear fallen trees and debris, and the public has been urged to stay indoors until conditions improve.
The Ongoing Threat: What to Expect in the Coming Days
The situation is expected to worsen before it improves. Storm Goretti is projected to continue moving through Europe, with authorities warning of ongoing impacts across Western Europe. The storm is set to bring additional snowfall, freezing rain, and high winds across France, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with dangerous conditions expected to persist until at least January 11, 2026.
In particular, the UK, France, and the Netherlands are bracing for further heavy snowfall and winds, which are expected to continue into the weekend. Authorities have advised extreme caution and urged travelers to postpone non-essential journeys. The UKHSA has extended the Amber Cold Health Alert through the weekend, emphasizing the risk of increased fatalities from cold-related health complications.
Meanwhile, French authorities have continued to warn residents of the dangers of high winds and snow accumulation, which have made conditions hazardous on both the roads and in the air.
How to Stay Safe During Storm Goretti
Here are practical tips to ensure safety during the storm:
- Avoid Travel: Stay indoors, especially during peak snow and wind hours.
- Check on Vulnerable People: Keep in touch with elderly relatives and neighbors.
- Dress Warmly: Wear layers, hats, scarves, and gloves to retain body heat.
- Keep Emergency Supplies: Have a stock of food, water, and blankets in case of power outages.
- Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed via government websites and social media for real-time warnings.
Conclusion: Storm Goretti’s Deadly Impact Continues
Storm Goretti’s grip on Europe has caused loss of life and major disruptions. As freezing temperatures, high winds, and heavy snow continue, emergency services are on high alert. The UK, France, Bosnia, Netherlands, and Belgium all face continued risks. Residents are urged to stay safe and monitor official weather alerts for the latest updates.
