Fierce winds cut off power in north

METEO France has extended its weather warning for the Brittany coast, as strong winds continue to batter large parts of northern France today.

The forecaster has warned of potential flooding between Penmarc'h and Roscoff (Finistère) because of high tides and winds of up to 70kph. Some ferry delays and cancellations are also likely.

The wind will spread from the north-west tip of France to the north-east this afternoon, with the Vosges expecting the worst.

About 4,000 homes in Brittany were hit by power cuts last night, to most of which supply has since been restored.

Pompiers in the region were called out 30 times to clear fallen trees from roads.

The winds also brought down power lines in the Yvelines, cutting off electricity to 1,500 homes yesterday evening.

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