The Goretti storm is sweeping through northwestern France, prompting the SNCF to implement emergency measures. To prevent trains from becoming stranded on the tracks amid severe weather conditions, SNCF Réseau has announced a gradual suspension of rail traffic starting this Thursday, January 8, 2026.
In addition to regional trains, high-speed TGV services are also impacted from Montparnasse station. The 4:57 p.m. TGV heading to Brest will unusually finish its journey in Morlaix and is running 15 minutes late, as is the train departing for Quimper. Moreover, all trains bound for Nantes have been canceled.
Starting at 7 p.m., the first services affected will be those traveling through the Manche region. Routes Paris - Lisieux - Caen - Cherbourg, Paris - L'Aigle - Argentan - Granville, and Caen - Granville - Rennes will cease operations. By 10 p.m., service will be completely suspended across all of Normandy, impacting the departments of Calvados, Orne, and Seine-Maritime. This decision, made in consultation with Météo-France, aims to ensure the safety of travelers and staff in the face of powerful winds and the danger of fallen trees on the tracks.
For commuters heading to or returning from Normandy over the next two days, plans will need to be adjusted. All regular trains from Gare Saint-Lazare to Caen, Rouen, and Cherbourg will be completely suspended during this period. We recommend checking the SNCF Connect app regularly for real-time updates on the situation.
The railway lines connecting Paris to Normandy are the first to be affected. If you had plans to head to the Normandy coast or head back to the capital, you'll need to wait a bit. The Paris - Caen - Cherbourg and Paris - Granville routes will cease operation from 7 p.m. this Thursday. Traveling to the Cotentin Peninsula or the Mont-Saint-Michel bay by train will therefore be impossible during the Goretti storm.
In Hauts-de-France, conditions are expected to be challenging this Friday. No regional trains will operate from early morning until mid-afternoon. Travelers connecting through Île-de-France heading to Amiens, Lille, or Calais will need to seek alternative options. The official TER Hauts-de-France website will provide updates on the gradual resumption of services.
The suspension is expected to last as long as the weather conditions remain hazardous. In Normandy, train services have been halted since Thursday evening, with a possible resumption depending on the progress of Storm Goretti overnight. In the Hauts-de-France region, travelers will likely have to wait until at least mid-afternoon on Friday before trains are able to resume operations.
The SNCF advises travelers to postpone all non-essential trips. If you have a ticket booked for these destinations, you can change or get a full refund free of charge through SNCF Connect. For Parisians stranded in Normandy or the North, patience is required, and it's best to keep an eye on updates for resumption announcements on the SNCF Voyageurs social media channels.
In short, if you're planning to travel to these regions from Paris or the Île-de-France area, it's best to postpone your trip for now. The Goretti storm isn't to be taken lightly, and safety remains the top priority. You can stay updated on the orange and red alerts by visiting Météo-France's website and regularly check SNCF traffic conditions to plan your journeys smoothly and securely.
Dates and Opening Time
From January 8, 2026 to January 9, 2026
