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Storm Herminia brings flooding and chaos across Europe Photograph: (X)
Storm Herminia has battered parts of Spain, France, the UK, and Ireland, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and severe flooding. Named by Spanish weather authorities on Friday, the storm caused disruptions, power outages, and evacuations as authorities warned of continued bad weather ahead.
Severe flooding in France
France has been one of the worst-hit countries, with Ille-et-Vilaine, including Rennes, experiencing its worst flooding in 40 years. Around 400 people have been evacuated as rivers overflowed, forcing emergency teams to rescue residents by boat. Local authorities say water levels are still rising and may not begin to recede until Wednesday.
Strong winds tore the roof off a residential building in Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain yesterday....đź’¨#StormHerminia pic.twitter.com/PY9k1Y7h1A
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) January 27, 2025
The French National Weather Service has placed eight departments under orange weather warnings, while Ille-et-Vilaine remains under a red alert for flooding. Road closures, power outages, and damage to homes and businesses have been reported.
In Normandy and Brittany, already waterlogged after Storm Éowyn last week, the situation has worsened. Storm Éowyn left two dead and caused massive power outages across Ireland and Britain, and Storm Herminia has added to the devastation.
Spain faces strong winds and heavy rain
In Spain, powerful winds, torrential rain, and snowfall have disrupted daily life, particularly in Galicia. The region faced winds reaching 90 km/h (56 mph), prompting a red alert for extreme weather. Over 1,200 incidents have been reported, including 600 cases of fallen trees blocking roads, landslides, and damaged buildings.
The worst-hit areas include A Coruña and Pontevedra, where emergency services are clearing roads and restoring power. Vigo and Santiago de Compostela have also experienced flooding and damage.
Storm Herminia has severely affected travel, with multiple flights between Vigo, A Coruña, and Madrid cancelled due to aircraft delays. Weather agencies warn of more snowfall later in the week, raising concerns over road safety and further disruptions.
UK struggles with power outages
In the UK, the storm has caused severe flooding and damage across southern England and Wales. The worst-affected areas include Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, where a major incident was declared.
Over 100 people were evacuated in Somerset early Monday due to rising floodwaters threatening homes and businesses. More than 1,000 properties are still without power across the South West, and emergency crews are working to restore electricity.
The UK Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible thunderstorms through Tuesday. Authorities urge residents to avoid flooded areas and prepare for disruptions.
Meteorologists warn the storm may not be over. France’s weather service has issued additional flood and wind warnings for Tuesday, covering all western coastal regions from Brittany to the Spanish border.
With saturated ground from previous storms, experts fear any additional rainfall could cause more flooding and damage. Local governments and emergency services are on high alert, urging residents to take precautions.
As Europe recovers from Storm Éowyn and Storm Herminia, authorities are monitoring the potential for more extreme weather. Residents in affected areas should stay updated with local weather reports and follow safety guidelines.
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