Powerful Storm Nils unleashed widespread disruption across southern France and parts of Spain, leaving at least one person dead and causing massive power outages, as authorities issued red alerts over flooding and hurricane-force winds.
French authorities confirmed the death of a driver after a large tree collapsed near the city of Dax in southwestern France, where wind speeds exceeded 160 km/h.
Nearly 900,000 households were left without electricity, plunging vast areas into darkness.
The outages were concentrated in the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. Fallen trees and debris disrupted transportation networks, forcing the cancellation of numerous train services and the closure of several major roads.
Spain was also hit hard by the storm, prompting authorities to raise the highest level of alert.
The region of Catalonia, including Barcelona, declared a red alert as a precautionary measure.
Schools were closed, and at least one person was injured due to falling trees.
On the island of Mallorca, hurricane-force winds battered the popular tourist destination, with mountainous areas recording gusts of up to 150 km/h.
France’s national meteorological service, Météo-France, described Storm Nils as exceptionally intense.
Red warnings remain in place across five French departments due to ongoing risks of flooding and avalanches in mountainous regions.
Authorities in both countries have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as emergency crews continue to assess the damage and restore essential services.
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