Storm Goretti Turns European Travel Plans Upside Down: What Travelers Need to Know

A severe winter storm—Storm Goretti—hit Europe hard this January, causing huge travel disruptions but also turning cities into snowy scenes straight from a postcard. Here’s what travelers experienced and what they can expect as the storm continues.

When Winter Has Other Plans: The Arrival of Storm Goretti

January 10, 2026, will be remembered by many travelers as the day that Storm Goretti turned Europe into a swirling snow globe — beautiful, but not so friendly to itineraries. While the snow brought magic to cityscapes, it also served up plenty of headaches for those on the move.

Travel Delays Galore: What Happened?

Airports in Chaos: Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam's Schiphol airports saw major disruptions. Schiphol alone canceled over 700 flights, stranding more than 1,000 passengers overnight.
Train and Road Troubles: Heavy snow and ice made roads treacherous. In France, multiple accidents led to tragic fatalities and authorities warned everyone to avoid non-essential travel. Paris even pulled public buses off the roads.
Widespread Power Outages: It wasn’t just travel that got complicated. Around 320,000 people in France and 57,000 in the UK sat through power cuts, adding another layer of challenge for everyone caught in the storm's path.

A Silver Lining: Snowy Sights Like Never Before

For some, the disruptions offered a rare treat: Paris and other European cities blanketed in fresh white snow. Locals and those lucky enough to already be in the city snapped stunning photos of iconic sights with a frosty twist. If you love a good winter Instagram, this was your moment!

How Travelers & the Hospitality Industry Coped

Itinerary Issues: Cancelled flights, delayed trains, and slippery roads meant extended stays and shifting travel plans. Many attractions operated at reduced hours or closed altogether.
Hotels in High Demand: With travelers unexpectedly stranded, hotels quickly filled up. While good news for business, it put a strain on staff and services, and led to a scramble for last-minute bookings and cancellations online.

Looking Ahead: Staying Flexible is Key

Storm Goretti’s full impact is still unfolding. More travel issues and power outages are possible. If you’re traveling in Europe, keep an eye on updates, be ready to change plans, and leave some wiggle room in your itinerary.