Poitou-Charentes relatively unscathed by Atlantic Storm Quentin

Description:

As predicted, the Atlantic storm given the name 'Quentin' swept across the region last night, heading for northern and central parts of France.

The storm left some 600,000 homes without electricity in the west and centre of the country, and by morning had reached the Ile de France, stopping flights there for the first time since 1974.  Around 260,000 homes were left without electricity in Charente Maritime, Gironde and Vendee according to EDF, while a further 340,000 homes were affected in Centre, Picardie, Auvergne and Limousin.  Flights were expected to re-start this morning from 8am, depending on the progress of the storm.

Winds were less violent than expected, although they struck with considerable force along the Atlantic coast, with the most extreme gusts of 141kmh hitting the Ile d'Yeu (Vendee).  As expected the Ile de Re and Ile d'Oleron had gusts of 137kmh, whilst the interior of the region was calmer with gusts rarely exceeding 120kmh.  Fire services were relatively un-troubled by the event, mainly responding to calls to clear fallen trees.