Blizzard Conditions Sweep Europe as Storm Goretti Disrupts Travel Across the UK and EU

Storm Goretti, the first named storm of the year, has brought widespread snow, ice, and severe travel disruptions across the UK and parts of Western Europe, prompting extensive weather warnings, transport cancellations, and public safety alerts.

Heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures have led to hundreds of flight cancellations across major European airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Amsterdam Schiphol, where more than 700 flights were grounded, and over 1,000 passengers were forced to spend the night in the terminal. In Belgium, Brussels Airport also reported significant delays and cancellations due to de‑icing operations.

Across the UK, the Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings for snow, ice and high winds, with temperatures plunging as low as 12.5°C in Norfolk earlier in the week. Forecasters warn that up to 30cm of snow could fall in parts of Wales, the Midlands, and northern England as the storm undergoes rapid cyclogenesis — a “weather bomb” — intensifying conditions further.

Rail operators across England, Scotland and Wales have pre‑emptively cancelled services, with some lines closed entirely and “Do Not Travel” notices issued for key routes, including Manchester–Sheffield and several Transport for Wales lines. Rural communities in Scotland and northern England have reported being cut off by deep snowdrifts, with some areas seeing the worst winter conditions in 25 years.

Authorities in France, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands have also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as snow and black ice create hazardous conditions on roads and public transport networks.

Schools across the UK have closed due to dangerous conditions, prompting questions about parental work rights. Under UK law, parents are entitled to emergency dependant leave when schools shut unexpectedly, though this time off is typically unpaid.

Forecasters warn that disruption may continue into Friday as Storm Goretti moves northeast, bringing a combination of heavy snow, strong winds and freezing rain across multiple regions.