Fatalities and Massive Power Outages in France as Storm Ciarán Makes Landfall

In France, one person has tragically lost their life while 1.2 million individuals are currently experiencing a power outage following the arrival of one of the most powerful storms in recent history. The northwestern region of the country witnessed winds exceeding 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour), with gusts of over 200kmh (124mph) reaching hurricane-force levels in the department of Finistère. Meteo-France, the national meteorological agency, reported that these wind speeds have shattered numerous local records.

Around 780,000 residents in Brittany's northwestern region are currently without power, as reported by French energy supplier Enedis. The storm-induced damages, including fallen trees and uprooted electricity pylons, are responsible for the power cuts. In response, Enedis has deployed approximately 3,000 workers and 30 helicopters to restore power in the affected areas.

According to French Transport Minister Clément Beaune, the fatality occurred when a falling branch struck a driver. Beaune shared this information during an interview with French broadcaster Franceinfo.

As of midnight on Wednesday, three administrative regions in Brittany and the northwest coast of France were declared under "red alert," which is the highest weather warning in the country as stated by the Interior Ministry.

The storm has also impacted the British Isles and Channel Islands, which are currently under red alert warnings. The government's website confirmed the closure of all schools and the airport on the island of Jersey. Reports from UK media showcased the powerful waves violently crashing into and surpassing sea walls in Cornwall, a southwestern English county.

Disruption to daily life

The UK's Met Office has issued a warning about the potential consequences of the combination of strong winds and rain. These adverse weather conditions could result in the falling of trees, causing damage to homes and buildings, as well as power outages. Additionally, the presence of flying debris poses a significant threat to human life. Coastal areas should also be prepared for potential damage to roads and properties caused by large waves.

Road travel has been prohibited in Finistère, France starting Wednesday morning due to the presence of obstacles on the road network and the potential danger of falling trees, as per the local government. The Finistère local government issued a statement stating that the strong and continuous winds during the night resulted in numerous trees, branches, and utility lines falling across the road network.

Travel disruptions are anticipated in the UK due to potential disruptions in airlines, railways, and ferry services. Numerous rail companies have cautioned individuals to avoid commuting, even in London, as high winds are expected later on Thursday. Moreover, heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding, particularly in areas that have already experienced recent rainfall. The Met Office forecasts that certain regions in southwestern England could receive up to 80 millimeters (3 inches) of rain.

Storm Ciarán arrives within a short span of less than two weeks since Storm Babet, a tempest that caused significant damage with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding in certain regions of Scotland and northern and central England, resulting in multiple fatalities.

The ongoing climate crisis, caused by human activities, is exacerbating the occurrence and intensity of certain storms. As the Earth's atmosphere continues to warm, its capacity to retain water vapor increases, leading to more intense rainfall events.

Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, emphasized that numerous attribution studies and other forms of evidence support the notion that autumn/winter storms of this nature are more destructive as a result of climate change. She explained that climate change intensifies the rainfall accompanying these storms, leading to greater severity, and the storm surges are elevated and consequently more detrimental due to rising sea levels.