Powerful Winds Sweep Brittany, 161,000 Homes Lose Power

Storm Austen, the first autumn storm of the year, battered France’s Brittany coast overnight from Thursday to Friday, bringing winds of up to 161 km/h at Pointe du Raz and 145–150 km/h on Ouessant. Several weather stations recorded October wind-speed records.The storm caused rough seas, broken boat moorings and vessels running aground.

Around 161,000 households across north-western France were without electricity on Friday. Fallen trees and severe weather disrupted rail services, forcing the suspension of several lines, while bridges in Seine-Maritime were closed. The storm subsequently moved towards Normandy and Hauts-de-France.