Storm Austen aftermath: falling tree damages three homes as new rain alert issued in France

A 20m tree fell onto three homes in Rennes yesterday as storm Austen swept across the north and north-west. Another storm is on the way.

Météo-France has placed Pas-de-Calais on orange alert and 19 other departments on yellow alert for rain and flooding from 20:00 on Saturday, October 24. 30-50mm of rain is expected, adding to the rainfall already recorded during storm Austen.

In the aftermath of the storm, many trees fell, some blocking roads and requiring interventions by departmental councils and fire and rescue services.

One tree fell onto three homes in Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine. No one was injured, but five people had to be rehoused by Rennes Métropole.

“I heard a noise around 6:30 this morning, and when I went outside I saw the tree lying down,” one local resident told Ouest-France.

How to prepare for storms

If there is a storm alert, homeowners should check trees near their property, especially those close to roofs, windows, garages and parking spaces.

Dead branches, cracks in a trunk, a sudden change in a tree's lean or disturbed soil around its base can be warning signs that it needs professional assessment. An arborist can advise on the best course of action.

Large trees should not be cut down or heavily pruned without appropriate expertise. Homeowners should also check whether local planning rules or tree-protection measures apply before undertaking work.

If a tree appears dangerous but belongs to a neighbour, a landlord or a shared property, residents should alert the responsible owner or building manager. Concerns about trees on public land can be reported to the mairie.

Other precautions include moving cars away from trees where possible and bringing garden furniture and loose objects indoors.

Homes are covered for storm damage under multirisque habitation insurance, including damage caused by falling trees. 

However, not all contracts are the same, and some garden structures such as fences and sheds may be excluded or require extra cover.

Regarding the cost of removing a fallen tree, it is usually more likely to be covered when the tree has damaged an insured building than when it has fallen without causing damage.

During a storm, people should remain indoors and avoid standing near windows. Additionally, they should never shelter under trees or attempt to inspect or deal with a damaged tree while strong winds continue.

What to do if a tree falls on your home

If a tree damages a property during a storm, people should contact their insurer as soon as possible. Storm damage should generally be reported within five working days.

Take photographs or videos of the damage, if safe to do so, and keep receipts for any emergency work or materials needed.

Homeowners should also take steps to prevent further damage, such as arranging temporary protection for a damaged roof, but should not attempt dangerous repairs themselves.

Insurers may request homeowners to provide a certificat d'intempérie from Météo-France to confirm the weather conditions, or arrange for an expert to assess the damage.

If a property is unsafe or uninhabitable, residents should contact local authorities for assistance and ask their insurer whether alternative accommodation is covered.

For a damaged car, compensation will depend on the vehicle insurance policy.