Storm hits north and west France, leaving homes without powerpublished at 10:09 BST
10:09 BST
Paul Kirby
Europe digital editor
Image source, AFPImage caption,
Winds of up to 140kmh (87mph) are forecast in coastal areas of France
Coastal areas of Brittany and Normandy have been hit hardest in France, but Storm Austen has caused widespread disruption inland too.
This morning 161,000 homes were without power, according to energy provider Enedis, most of them in Brittany. Residents in the Finistère area have seen severe damage to roofs and trees blocking roads.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has warned of severe transport problems in Normandy and Brittany, as well as further inland in the Hauts-de-France and Île-de-France regions.
A number of flights have been cancelled at Nantes airport in the north west, while the iconic Pont de Normandie over the River Seine, linking Le Havre to Normandy, is one of several bridges that have been closed.
Météo-France has declared an orange alert in 23 of the 96 departments in mainland France, with gusts of up to 130/140kmh (80-87mph) on the coast and 110-110kmh inland.