At Least 15 Dead As Freak Storms, Flooding Hit Western Europe - AFP

[hatrack]

"Heavy rains and fierce storms in parts of western Europe caused more flooding, destruction and loss of life both offshore and on dry land, officials said Thursday, after several days of freak weather and strong winds left at least 15 feared dead.

EDIT

On Tuesday and Wednesday nine people died in southern France as high winds and rough seas hit the region's coastlines. In Portugal, which since last week has seen unusually heavy rains for the time of year, many beaches were flying red flags and rescue services recorded five people as having drowned or disappeared off Portuguese beaches on Wednesday alone.

EDIT

In Belgium, fierce storms in many areas Wednesday -- notably around Brussels and in the south of the country -- left cellars flooded and felled trees, although no one was hurt, according to the Belga news agency. The southern village of Muno saw a "mini-tornado" which damaged some 25 roofs, while the central square in Liege was partially flooded. On Thursday, the weather was calmer although strong winds were expected to persist, it said.

EDIT

In Scotland workers were beginning to clear thousands of tonnes of mud and rock from a main road, a day after two massive landslides left more than 50 people stranded. Motorists had to be winched to safety by helicopter after the landslides blocked two parts of the A85 motorway in central Scotland and washed several cars down the hillside."

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2004/040819162305.n61dtzj6.html

[kestrel91316]

1. Hmmmmmmmmm, seems to me.....................

these "freak storms" have become par for the course in Europe now (oh, gee, and the rest of the world for that matter).

[Dogmudgeon]

2. Don't worry ... Winter will be here before you know it!

Bundle up!

--bkl

[brokensymmetry]

3. This was a strange summer -

it was wonderfully cool here in Texas. At the same time, I get the impression that we're starting to see real climate change - and when that hits, food prices will go through the roof.

Thanks for all the reports, Hatrack! I always make it a point to read anything you post.