Storm Goretti: Northwest France on Red Alert

The approaching storm, named Goretti, is generating significant concern across the Northwestern part of the country. Meteorological conditions are aligning to create a powerful weather system capable of causing disruption. The primary threat posed by Storm Goretti is its high wind speeds, which are expected to escalate rapidly as the system moves in.

Authorities have been monitoring the storm's trajectory and have determined that specific regions require immediate attention. The focus is on the coastline, where the storm's impact will be most direct. Residents in these vulnerable areas are being urged to secure property and limit travel during the peak of the storm.

The French weather vigilance system uses a color-coded scale to communicate risk levels to the public. Red is the most severe warning, indicating a high level of danger that requires exceptional caution. The Manche department has been placed under this red alert specifically for wind, highlighting the severity of the situation in that area. This alert covers the period from Thursday night into Friday morning.

Following the red alert is the Orange vigilance level, which signifies a moderate to high degree of danger. A significant portion of the Northwest is entering this status. Specifically, 29 departments will be under orange alert. This includes the departments within the Île-de-France region, home to millions of people. The activation of these alerts is staggered, beginning at 16:00 on Thursday to prepare the population before conditions worsen.

The geographical scope of Storm Goretti's impact is extensive, covering a large swath of the Northwest. The Manche department is at the epicenter of the red alert. However, the influence of the storm extends far inland, affecting the Île-de-France region and 27 other departments that will be under orange vigilance.

The defining metric of this storm is the wind velocity. Forecasts indicate that along the littoral (coastline), gusts could reach up to 160 km/h. This level of wind can cause significant damage to trees, power lines, and structures. The combination of the storm's path and intensity makes this a notable weather event for the region.

Storm Goretti represents a significant weather hazard for Northwest France, particularly for the Manche department which is under a red wind alert. With wind gusts potentially reaching 160 km/h along the coast and a wide area of 29 departments under orange vigilance starting at 16:00 on Thursday, the situation requires public attention and preparation. The progression of the storm overnight from Thursday to Friday will be the critical period for these affected regions.