Storm Kirk leaves one dead and trail of damage as it crosses France

At least one person has died as storm Kirk sweeps across France leaving a trail of damage and floods in its wake.

An amateur sailor in the southern city of Sète (Hérault) was killed when a storm surge capsized three boats. One other person is in hospital in critical condition. 

River flooding warnings remain in place in a number of departments in northern and northeastern France. 

The Seine-et-Marne department is at the highest possible red alert tier due to the high levels of the Grand Morin river, as is the Eure-et-Loir.

A ban on outdoor activities - such as jogging or visiting parks - is in place until midday Friday (October 11) in the department, and some school transport has been cancelled today. 

Falling trees has been a particular risk as the timing of the storm mean many still have leaves, making them less resistant to strong winds

Elsewhere, five other departments are on a heightened tier-three orange alert for high river levels – Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Orne, Sarthe, and Meurthe-et-Moselle. 

At least a dozen other departments are facing river flooding warnings at a less severe tier-two level, and others for continuing heavy rainfall.

Rainfall of 80 mm was recorded in the Parisian suburbs, and 70 mm in the city’s Montsouris park – the highest autumn rainfall in over 100 years in the capital.

WInds of 120 km/h hit the south-western coast, with gales of 113 km/h affecting Lyon, and cities including Pau and Tarbes experiencing gales of 100 km/h or higher.

The brunt of the storm has passed, although further rainfall is forecast in Paris and the north-east, as well as parts of central France throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon/evening. 

Storm wreaks havoc

Around 67,000 homes in the south of France lost power throughout the storm, said France’s grid manager Enedis, as floodwaters impacted infrastructure.

Damage from the storm’s was recorded across France, not least in the capital, where metro stations were flooded from the intense downpour. 

The Assemblée nationale was partially flooded, leading to evacuations. Firefighters who attended to the scene said a pipe had exploded in the basement, causing flooding.

A number of towns have been affected by flooding from high river levels, including in the Seine-et-Marne and Yvelines.

School transport has been cancelled in both the Seine-et-Marne and Yvelines department. 

In the latter, around  500 homes are without electricity, and the T13 tram line is not working. A hospital in Versailles also flooded.

Rising water from the Grand Morin river will flow into the Seine, leading the river to swell in the coming days, potentially bringing floods to Paris.

River levels are continuing to rise, and throughout the course of today are expected to reach record highs, surpassing the 3.42m recorded in 2016.

Flooding was also recorded in Vendée.

Read more: What to do (and not do) during heavy rain and flood alerts in France

Many trees were blown over, particularly around the Rhône, where winds reached 113 km/h. 

People travelling today, even in departments not affected by any weather warnings, should check schedules before travelling. 

Many trees were blown over during the storms, with a number falling on railway lines, affecting routes particularly in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Damage from yesterday’s gales is also causing delays in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. 

Heightened weather warnings are unlikely to come back into force today, however you should still keep up to date with official warnings via the Météo France website. 

In addition, if in an area predicted to face river flooding, you can use the official Vigicrues site.