A violent autumn storm is preparing to sweep away part of Europe. Named Austen, the depression is strengthening above the Atlantic and should affect Brittany on Thursday evening, before progressing on Friday towards Normandy and Hauts-de-France. Switzerland will also find itself under the influence of this vast depression. Without being directly hit by the core of the storm, it will experience unstable weather conditions until the end of the weekend.
In France, gusts could reach 130 to 140 km/h on the Breton coasts. The Manche department will be particularly exposed, with peaks of up to 120 km/h inland.
Faced with these forecasts, the French authorities are taking preventive measures. In the Channel, the prefecture has announced travel restrictions near the coast, particularly regarding access to beaches.
Trains canceled in Normandy
The SNCF plans to interrupt traffic on Normandy railway lines on Friday. Partial deletions have also been announced in Brittany and Hauts-de-France. Disturbances could continue on Saturday.
In Saint-Malo, the Route du Rhum village, set up in preparation for the start of the transatlantic race on November 1, will remain closed on Friday morning. Météo-France also warns of the risks of falling trees, some having been weakened by the summer drought.
Britain and Germany under threat
Storm Austen is also due to reach the British Isles on Friday evening, with heavy rain and gusts locally exceeding 110 km/h on the coasts of southern England and Wales.
In Germany, where the depression is named after Luise, winds reaching 100 km/h are forecast in the west and northwest of the country. On exposed terrain, particularly in the Black Forest, gusts could reach up to 120 km/h.
A second storm, called Boelo, could then hit Great Britain during the weekend, extending this period of severe weather.
