Storm Kills at least 15 in Northern Europe

Record gusts of 191 km/h (119mph) reported over the North Sea

A major storm battering NW Europe has killed at least 15 people including seven in Germany, four in Britain, two in the Netherlands and one each in France and Denmark.

The storm hit Britain with gusts of up to nearly 100mph early Monday, leaving a path of damage across large parts of southern UK, before targeting mainland Europe.

A crane smashed into the U.K. Cabinet Office in central London, forcing Deputy Prime Minister to cancel a news conference, while a gas explosion caused by toppled trees killed at least two people in west London, according to reports.

Flights and ferry services as well as road and rail transport were severely affected throughout the vast storm-battered region.

The storm knocked out power to about a million homes and business across northwestern Europe, including 750,000 customers in Britain.

Winds of about 155 kph swept across the low-lying Netherlands, killing at least two people, and causing widespread damage.

Giant waves crash against a lighthouse in Port of Boulogne, France October 28, 2013. Credit: Reuters. Image may be subject to copyright.

Denmark and Sweden issued storm warnings, as hurricane force winds gusting to about 162km/h hit Scandinavia, causing widespread damage across the region, while meteorologists measured record winds of  191 km/h (119mph) over the North Sea.

Related Links

• Severe Weather Warning Issued for South of England  on October 24, 2013
• Deadly Storm Batters Southern U.K. October 28, 2013