Deadly Storm Ciarán Brings 100-Plus-mph Winds To Northwest Europe, Knocks Out Power To Millions

"Record-breaking winds in France and across much of Western Europe left at least seven people dead and several others injured as Storm Ciarán swept through the continent overnight, plunging vast numbers into darkness, devastating homes and causing travel

mayhem in several countries. Winds of more than 118 mph slammed the northern tip of France’s Atlantic coast, uprooting trees and blowing out windows. Huge waves slammed into French ports and shorelines, as wind flattened street signs and ripped off roofing. 1.2 million French households were left without electricity. Local trains were canceled across a swath of western France, and all roads in the Finistère region of Brittany were closed. In Spain, where the storm battered much of the country with heavy rains and gale force winds, emergency services in Madrid said a woman died. Parks in the capital and other cities in Spain were closed, and several trains and flights were canceled. Two people were killed by falling branches in central Ghent, Belgium, including a five-year-old child who was taken to hospital but died a few hours later. A storm warning was issued for the North Sea coast in Germany, and a warning of high winds for part of the Baltic Sea coast. Thousands were also without power in the United Kingdom. Sharp gusts blew roofs off buildings and toppled trees. Britain’s Environment Agency urged people to prepare for inland flooding, as some river levels remain high, together with ground that is saturated. By just after midday, there were 82 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 197 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, in place across England. Dutch media reported that several people had been hit by falling trees in different parts of the Netherlands, one person killed in the southern town of Venray." WeatherChannel