Storm Kieran: Highest Wind Speeds Threaten European Coasts

France, England, and countries across Western Europe are preparing for what experts warn could be the highest wind speeds the region has seen in decades as Storm Kieran approaches the coasts, expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening.

Residents were securing roof openings in northwestern France, where the French National Meteorological Agency warned of exceptional winds reaching approximately 145 kilometers per hour and sweeping through Brittany, Normandy, and Pays de la Loire.

Wind speeds are expected to reach 170 kilometers per hour, with waves reaching approximately 10 meters in the northwestern tip of the country.

The French national railway company canceled some regional train services in five eastern regions starting late Wednesday night.

High-speed trains from Paris were skipping intermediary stops on the way to Rennes and several other destinations.

"We need to prepare during the calmest moments," said Eric Brocardi, a spokesperson for the National Union of Firefighters, to the French news television channel BFMTV.

Residents were advised to stay indoors, securely close windows, and equip themselves with emergency kits containing necessary medications and hand-held flashlights in case of power outages.

Brittany and Normandy along the English Channel are expected to be the most affected regions, along with the Loire-Atlantic area to the south.

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