Storm Nils Ravages France and Spain: One Dead, 850,000 Without Power
High-risk weather conditions have swept through France and Spain, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity and forcing widespread flight cancellations. A man has been killed and extensive power outages reported as Storm Nils continues to batter large swathes of both countries.
Fatal Incident and Power Disruptions
In the French town of Mées, a truck driver died when a tree branch fell onto his vehicle, according to authorities in the southwestern prefecture of Landes. This tragic event occurred as orange alerts for violent winds were activated across France. Grid operator Enedis confirmed that approximately 850,000 homes remain without power, with nearly half a million affected in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region alone, following overnight winds reaching 100mph.
Residents in southwestern regions were advised to seek high ground and avoid unnecessary travel due to major flooding. The storm's impact extended to Catalonia, where five people were injured, trees were felled, schools were forced to close, and dozens of flights were cancelled.
Injuries and Transport Chaos in Catalonia
A civil protection volunteer sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised after a tree fell in Sant Boi de Llobregat. Additionally, three workers in Sant Boi were hurt while removing fallen trees, and a fifth individual was injured when a wall collapsed in Vilassar de Mar. More than 40 flights departing from or arriving at Barcelona's El Prat airport were cancelled on Thursday, with airport sources indicating that restrictions could lead to further delays and cancellations.
Catalan authorities suspended classes and sporting events, restricted non-essential healthcare services, and closed all city parks due to wind gusts exceeding 105km/h (65mph). Residents were urged not to swim in the sea while red flags are flown on beaches, and the wider Catalan civil protection services issued mobile emergency alerts advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Employees were encouraged to work from home where possible.
Severe Weather Warnings and Previous Storms
A red alert, the highest level, was issued in the northern regions of Galicia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country following the arrival of Nils, the eighth storm to hit Spain this year. Weather agency AEMET warned of waves up to nine metres (30 feet) tall in some areas and issued an "extraordinary danger" warning along the Basque coastline.
Spain and Portugal are still recovering from the effects of Storm Leonardo, which caused widespread flooding in early February and displaced hundreds of thousands. Concurrently, Storm Marta, a slow-moving Atlantic system, is affecting Portugal and southeastern Spain, leading to the closure of over 100 roads due to flooding, ice, and landslide risks.
Broader Impacts and Political Fallout
Successive storms have resulted in Spain's gloomiest January in 30 years, with the fewest hours of sunshine since 1996. In Portugal, an "atmospheric river" brought new downpours, particularly affecting the north, where about 3,000 residents were evacuated. Part of the A1 motorway near Coimbra collapsed after a levee broke.
Portugal is also experiencing indirect effects from Storm Nils, though it is not expected to directly hit the country. This comes amid political turmoil, as Interior Minister Maria Lucia Amaral resigned on Tuesday following criticism over the authorities' response to Storm Kristin, which killed at least six people and caused extensive damage two weeks prior.
