Storm Austen Batters Caen in France as Powerful Winds Topple Trees and Damage Urban Areas

Powerful winds battered the city of Caen in Normandy, France, on October 23, as Storm Austen brought destructive gusts, sending tree branches and debris flying through urban areas. Footage filmed by @NormandieMeteo shows strong winds sweeping through central Caen, damaging greenery and affecting public spaces, including benches. Wind gusts reached up to 146 kilometres per hour in parts of Normandy, causing widespread disruption, including fallen trees, damaged roads and power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes across the region. Authorities issued safety warnings urging people to remain indoors as dangerous conditions continued. The storm also claimed a life during cleanup operations, highlighting the risks posed by the severe weather. Video credit: @NormandieMeteo