A powerful storm, known as Storm Kirk, has wreaked havoc across Spain, Portugal, and France, resulting in one confirmed death and widespread damage. The remnants of Hurricane Kirk swept into western Europe on October 9, bringing high winds, heavy rains, and significant disruptions to daily life.
In southern France, particularly off the port city of Sete, Storm Kirk overturned three boats, leading to the tragic death of one sailor. Another individual was hospitalized in critical condition. The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with approximately 64,000 people left without electricity due to downed power lines.
Portugal faced severe weather conditions as well, with the civil protection authority reporting over 1,300 incidents overnight. The northern city of Porto was particularly hard hit, with around 400 trees uprooted. The storm also caused significant damage to vehicles and disrupted rail services in the region.
Power outages affected more than 300,000 households, as winds reached speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 mph) and waves surged to heights of seven meters (23 feet). Authorities issued a yellow alert for coastal areas, warning residents to stay vigilant.
As the storm continues to move through Europe, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential further impacts. The events surrounding Storm Kirk serve as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change.