Published on
January 8, 2026
France and UK have joined Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Romania, and several other European nations in facing severe disruptions caused by Storm Goretti and Arctic snowstorms. These extreme weather conditions have resulted in widespread airport closures, train delays, and road shutdowns, severely affecting travel across the continent. These powerful storms have caused significant chaos, with airports across the region halting operations as heavy snow and strong winds cripple travel plans. Major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow have faced long delays and cancellations, while other hubs in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands are experiencing similar disruptions. In addition to air travel setbacks, road closures and hazardous driving conditions have left many travelers stranded. Train services throughout Europe, particularly in affected areas, are also severely delayed or suspended, further intensifying the travel nightmare. As the storm continues to wreak havoc, travelers are being urged to stay informed and prepare for prolonged disruptions in the coming days.
The relentless Storm Goretti, which became the first named storm of 2026, has made its presence known across Europe. Bringing snow, icy conditions, and strong winds, the storm has thrown major airports, train services, and road networks into disarray. With significant disruptions affecting the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Romania, travelers are grappling with flight cancellations, train delays, and hazardous driving conditions. Governments and transport authorities across the continent are on high alert as the storm continues to impact Europe’s transport infrastructure, stranding thousands of travelers.
The Arrival of Storm Goretti: A Winter Fury
Storm Goretti, named by Météo-France, marks the start of the 2026 winter season in Europe. The storm began its destructive path across the continent, affecting major transport hubs, roadways, and everyday life. The mix of heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures has caused widespread disruption, with up to 25 cm (10 inches) of snow predicted in hilly areas of France and the UK. The snow, combined with wind gusts of up to 90 mph, has made travel treacherous.
Across Western Europe, the storm has left its mark on the following countries:
UK: Facing Travel Disruptions Across the South
The UK has been hit hard by Storm Goretti, with widespread snow and wind warnings issued across Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly. The Met Office warned that snowfalls of up to 25 cm could cause dangerous road conditions, while strong winds continue to batter coastal areas.
- Airports: London Heathrow and other major airports have faced delays and cancellations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extended amber health alerts until Sunday, warning of cold-related health risks.
- Rail and Train Services: In regions like Bristol and Bath, yellow snow warnings were issued, leading to train delays and cancellations. The South West and Wales are especially vulnerable to snow and icy conditions, complicating both local and national rail operations.
- Roads: Drivers were urged to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in rural areas and mountainous regions, where black ice and snowdrifts have caused dangerous driving conditions.
France: Airports and Railways Paralyzed by Snowstorm
As Storm Goretti will through France, it left a trail of chaos in its wake. Major airports in Paris, including Charles de Gaulle and Orly, were severely impacted, with hundreds of flights cancelled due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
- Airports: Over 140 flight cancellations were reported at Paris airports alone, with snow and ice affecting runways and aircraft movements.
- Rail Services: The snowstorm also disrupted TGV high-speed train services, especially in southern France, as snow-covered tracks caused delays and service suspensions.
- Weather Warnings: 38 out of 96 French departments were placed under weather alerts, with snow accumulations ranging from 3-7 cm and a forecast for black ice.
Belgium: Major Delays at Brussels Airport and Beyond
Belgium faced a severe impact as Storm Goretti moved eastward. Brussels Airport was not spared from the storm’s wrath, as flights were delayed or canceled throughout the day.
- Flights: At least 40 flight cancellations were reported at Brussels Airport on Wednesday. Passengers were urged to check the status of their flights and expect delays due to snow and ice on the runways.
- Train Services: Eurostar and Thalys services between Brussels, Paris, London, and Amsterdam faced significant delays, with passengers experiencing further disruptions as snow-covered tracks and slippery conditions caused major delays.
- Road Travel: As snowstorms affected Brussels, traffic jams were widespread, and road conditions deteriorated rapidly.
Netherlands: Schiphol Airport Struggles with Thousands Stranded
In Netherlands, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, became a focal point of travel disruptions as Storm Goretti continued to cause chaos.
- Flights: More than 700 flights were canceled at Schiphol Airport on Wednesday due to snow and wind. Travelers were left stranded, with over 1,000 passengers spending the night at the airport, using camp beds set up by the airport authorities.
- Rail Network: The NS (Dutch Railways) warned passengers of train delays and advised them to delay their journey if possible. Both domestic and international trains were impacted by the snowstorm, with several routes between Amsterdam and neighboring countries delayed or canceled.
- Road Travel: Authorities in the Netherlands issued warnings about icy conditions, urging drivers to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
Germany: Snow and Ice Affecting Airports and Rail Services
In Germany, Storm Goretti continued its path, bringing snow and icy conditions to Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, resulting in severe travel disruptions.
- Flights: Munich Airport saw cancellations and delays as snowstorms and low visibility caused significant operational disruptions.
- Train Services: The Deutsche Bahn network was severely impacted, with delays and service suspensions reported on several routes. International trains between Germany and neighboring countries like Belgium and the Netherlands were delayed due to snow and ice.
- Road Conditions: Traffic was severely disrupted, especially in the south and northeast of Germany, where snow accumulations and ice caused dangerous road conditions. Drivers were advised to stay off the roads and wait for the weather to improve.
Romania: Snow and Ice Grip the Country
As Storm Goretti continued its eastward path, Romania faced heavy snow and freezing temperatures that disrupted both transportation and daily life.
- Airports: Flights from Bucharest and other major Romanian cities were delayed as snow and ice caused disruptions at airports.
- Rail Services: Romanian Railways reported delays on both domestic and international train services as snowstorms and icy tracks hindered operations.
- Road Conditions: Heavy snow in regions like Transylvania and Wallachia led to road closures and traffic jams, forcing authorities to warn drivers of dangerous conditions.
A European Winter Crisis: The Broader Impact
As Storm Goretti continues to batter Europe with heavy snow and Arctic blasts, the ripple effects on travel are expected to worsen throughout the week.
- Snowfall and Wind: The combination of snow and strong winds has made both air travel and rail travel particularly difficult. Airports across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are working to clear snow-covered runways, but delays and cancellations are likely to continue throughout the storm.
- Flight Cancellations: Major European airports have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights due to the severe winter weather. Airlines are struggling to operate normal schedules, and passengers have been left stranded across airports in Paris, London, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
- Train Delays: Eurostar, Thalys, and other international train services have been severely impacted, with many travelers left stranded as snow-covered tracks and power outages hinder operations.
- Health Warnings: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued health warnings for vulnerable populations due to extreme cold and icy conditions. Hospitals across affected regions are preparing for an influx of patients with cold-related injuries and respiratory issues.
With Storm Goretti showing no signs of letting up, travelers are advised to stay informed and adjust their plans accordingly.
- Check your flight or train status: Always verify your booking and check for delays or cancellations before heading to the airport or station.
- Stay indoors: If you’re in an affected area, avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors until conditions improve.
- Prepare for delays: If you’re traveling, expect potential delays, long queues, and disruptions across transport networks.
France and UK, along with Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Romania, and more European nations, are facing widespread travel chaos as Storm Goretti and Arctic snowstorms cause severe disruptions. These extreme weather conditions have led to airport closures, train delays, and road shutdowns across the continent, leaving thousands stranded.
As Europe battles the chaos brought by Storm Goretti, travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and flight/train cancellations. With severe winter weather expected to persist, governments and transport services are working tirelessly to clear snow-covered roads, reopen airports, and restore normal operations across the continent. Until then, travelers are advised to plan ahead and be prepared for delays, cancellations, and extreme cold.
