Thousands of homes in the Île-de-France region woke up without electricity this Friday, January 9, 2026, after Storm Goretti swept through the area overnight. The storm, which brought wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, caused considerable disruption, including power outages and transportation issues.
Widespread Power Outages Across the Region
Enedis, the electricity grid operator, confirmed early this morning that 13,500 homes in Île-de-France are currently without power. While the region was not as severely impacted as Normandy or Brittany, where gusts exceeded 200 km/h, the storm’s effects were still significant.
Fortunately, authorities reported no serious injuries in the initial assessments. Most interventions by emergency services in the thirty departments affected by strong winds involved damaged roofs and fallen power lines. In Île-de-France, falling trees caused by the inclement weather have disrupted train and RER services, notably on line A.
Storm’s Path and Intensity
The storm, which was placed under red alert in the Manche department until 3:00 AM before being downgraded to orange, recorded a wind gust of 213 km/h in Barfleur, followed by another at 216 km/h in the same Cotentin area, according to the latest report from the prefecture.
The disruptions began on Thursday, January 8, extending into Friday morning. Commuters faced challenges with public transport, as several lines experienced delays and cancellations due to fallen trees and other storm-related damage.
Enedis Working to Restore Power
Enedis teams are actively working to restore electricity to affected households. The company has mobilized significant resources to address the numerous outages and repair damaged infrastructure. However, the extent of the damage suggests that full restoration may take some time.
Local authorities are advising residents to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and report any further damage or hazards. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing the long-term impact of the storm.
Impact on Daily Life
The power outages have affected daily life for thousands of residents, impacting heating, lighting, and communication. Schools and businesses in some areas may experience closures or delays as a result of the ongoing disruptions. Residents are encouraged to check local news and official announcements for updates on power restoration and transport services.
This event underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure to severe weather conditions and highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid response in mitigating the effects of such natural phenomena.
