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France Sets Red Alert for La Manche as Storm Goretti Brings Hurricane-Force Gusts Tonight

The national forecaster raised warnings because a rapidly deepening Atlantic system is expected to drive 150–160 km/h gusts on the Channel coast tonight.

Overview

  • Red vigilance for violent winds is in force for La Manche from 21:00 Thursday to 03:00 Friday, with coastal gusts forecast at 150–160 km/h and 130–140 km/h inland.
  • MétéoFrance has placed roughly two to three dozen departments in orange for winds from the Atlantic façade to Île‑de‑France, where 90–100 km/h gusts are expected during a prolonged episode.
  • Forecasters warn of very rough seas along the Channel with large waves around 5–6 m and note a risk of coastal impacts, with Calvados, Seine‑Maritime and Somme set to be in orange waves‑submersion Friday morning.
  • SNCF is suspending multiple lines from Thursday evening, with a full overnight halt in Normandy and broader slowdowns or stoppages in Brittany and Centre‑Val de Loire; a very gradual restart is planned Friday afternoon and no TER will run in Hauts‑de‑France until mid‑afternoon.
  • MétéoFrance says Goretti’s track is slightly farther south than earlier projections, and authorities urge residents to shelter, avoid driving, and prepare emergency lighting and water.