Goretti Storm to kick off 2026 in Île-de-France and across northern France with a bout of violent winds. Officially named on Tuesday, January 6, by Météo France, this depression is set to bring highly turbulent weather conditions starting Thursday afternoon. While Brittany and the Normandy coast will be hit hardest, the Paris region won't escape the impact of these gusts of wind, which are expected to intensify toward the end of the week.
The path of the storm is now clearly mapped out. It is expected to approach Brittany Thursday afternoon, then move across the English Channel before heading toward the Hauts-de-France region overnight. Meteorologist Yann Amice, contacted by actu.fr, explains that the strongest gusts could reach 130 to 140 km/h in the English Channel. However, some weather models suggest locally even higher speeds. Much will depend on the storm’s center position as it crosses the Channel.
The Breton coastlines are expected to face particularly strong gusts, with winds reaching 120 to 140 km/h by Thursday evening along the most exposed points in western Brittany. Over the Arrée Mountains, gusts will range between 110 and 120 km/h, while the Rennes basin will see peak winds of 80 to 90 km/h. The maritime prefecture of the Manche and North Sea has issued a warning, urging sailors and maritime users to exercise the utmost caution due to the expected high waves along the coast.
In Île-de-France, while the winds are expected to be less fierce than along the coast, gusts will still be notably strong later this week. Residents of the region should prepare for a notably turbulent weather pattern on Thursday evening and overnight into Friday. We advise staying alert and securing any objects on your balconies and in your gardens that could be blown away by the wind.
Storm Goretti is expected to hit Île-de-France overnight from Thursday, January 8, to Friday, January 9, 2026. The strongest winds are forecast for late Thursday afternoon and the night, with conditions gradually improving on Friday morning. However, the weather is likely to remain quite turbulent for much of Friday.
In response to this episode of strong winds, it is advised to limit your travel plans if possible, especially on Thursday evening. Avoid walking in parks or wooded areas where falling branches could pose a hazard. If you need to drive, exercise extra caution, particularly on exposed roads and bridges where gusts will be more intense. Public transportation users should also anticipate potential disruptions on certain routes due to the weather conditions. To stay updated on the situation in real time, check the alerts from Vigilance Météo France, which categorizes departments based on the level of danger.
After braving snow and icy conditions, the Paris region is bracing for another turbulent weather event with Storm Goretti. Stay tuned for updates by visiting Météo France, which will be regularly posting updated forecasts. You can also check the French government’s recommendations in case of storms. Keep an eye on safety alerts, and don't hesitate to postpone non-essential outings scheduled for Thursday evening and Friday morning.
Dates and Opening Time
From January 8, 2026 to January 9, 2026
Recommended age
For all
