Germany braces for more heavy snowfall as Storm Goretti hits northern Europe

"Germany is expecting heavy snowfalls of up to 20cm after record winds of more than 210kph left almost 400,000 homes in France without electricity, as Storm Goretti battered north-western Europe. No major or widespread damage to property was reported in France on Friday but one man was seriously hurt after slipping from his roof while trying to replace fallen tiles and 27 others suffered minor injuries, several requiring hospital treatment."

"France's national weather service, Meteo-France, had issued severe weather warnings urging residents to remain home. Gusts of 213kph (132mph) and 216kph (134mph) were recorded overnight at Gatteville and Val-de-Saire in Normandy. Windspeed records were also broken in Brittany, and a gust of 148kph (92mph) was registered at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. More than 380,000 homes mainly, in Normandy and Brittany, were without power on Friday lunchtime."

"Regional train services were suspended across north-west France on Friday morning, with disruptions expected to last at least until late afternoon, although high-speed TGV rail services were operating and no serious flight delays were reported. Schools remained shut in the north of the country and weather alerts were issued in 30 other regions. Take shelter and do not use your vehicle, the Manche prefecture in Normandy warned, urging residents to prepare emergency lights and drinking water."

Record winds exceeding 210kph struck north-western Europe, leaving almost 400,000 homes without electricity in France and breaking windspeed records in Normandy and Brittany. Gusts of 213kph and 216kph were recorded at Gatteville and Val-de-Saire, and 148kph was measured at the top of the Eiffel Tower. One man was seriously injured and dozens suffered minor injuries. Regional train services were suspended, schools in the north were closed, and weather alerts covered multiple regions. Authorities urged residents to shelter, avoid travel, and prepare emergency supplies. Germany faces heavy snow, strong winds and temperatures plunging toward -20C.

Read at www.theguardian.com