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Winter storms Goretti and Elli batter Germany, France, UK

January 9, 2026

Severe weather warnings have been issued as winter storms Goretti and Elli bring hurricane-force winds and heavy snow to northern Europe. Homes have been left without power, and traffic has been disrupted as temperatures have plummeted.

https://p.dw.com/p/56bu3

Two powerful storms, Goretti and Elli, have slammed northern Europe with hurricane-force winds, heavy snow, and ice.

France recorded gusts up to 216 km/h that left 400,000 homes without power, while Brittany faced waves up to 13 meters.

The UK experienced its worst snowfall in a decade, disrupting travel and causing power outages to 65,000 households.

In Germany, Elli halted long-distance trains, causing deadly accidents on icy roads.