Storm Austen leaves over 160,000 households without power in France

Storm Austen, which is approaching France, already left 161,000 households without power, electricity network operator Enedis announced early Friday. Enedis said 128,000 households were affected in Brittany, 19,000 in Pays de la Loire, and 14,000 in Normandy, adding that “more than 2,000 employees” were ready to intervene “as soon as conditions allow.” Ahead of Storm Austen's arrival in the country, 23 departments in northwestern France were placed under an orange alert due to strong winds. Ferries connecting France and England remained docked in the morning due to strong winds and high waves, according to broadcaster BFMTV. Train services in the regions affected by the storm are also severely disrupted at least until midday, the report said. In the department of Finistere, a crisis response center was activated at the prefecture as strong winds were recorded. By midnight, departmental services had reportedly carried out 105 operations, particularly to clear roads, while firefighters had been mobilized for 45 interventions.