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Storm Austen's overnight gusts reached 140 km/h, and 23 departments are now under orange wind vigilance.
Storm Austen reached the tip of Brittany on the evening of 22 October, and wind gusts of 120 to 140 km/h were recorded overnight in Brittany and western Manche. Météo-France has now placed 23 departments under orange wind vigilance for 23 October.
Forecasts indicate gusts of up to 140 km/h on the Manche coast. The agency has said the storm's track remains uncertain, and neighboring departments may be upgraded to orange as conditions develop.
Austen is the first autumn storm of the year, arriving while vegetation remains weakened by drought. Observed and forecast gust figures may vary between locations, and any shift in the storm's track could change which areas are most affected.
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Météo-France warns the storm track could still shift overnight
Météo-France describes the storm's track as uncertain, which means alert levels may change as the system develops. With 23 departments already under orange vigilance for 23 October, the agency has signalled that neighboring areas could be upgraded. Forecasters note that the timing and strength of gusts may vary from place to place.
Storm arrives on weakened vegetation after a dry season
Austen is the first autumn storm of the year and arrives while vegetation is weakened by drought. Gusts of 120 to 140 km/h were recorded overnight in Brittany and western Manche, and trees may respond differently to strong winds under these conditions. Residents in affected departments may wish to follow official Météo-France updates as the situation evolves.