France hit by severe weather

Severe weather affected France on 24 January 2009, forcing several airports to close and causing power outages in approximately 1.3 million homes. In France, the area between Bordeaux and the Pyrenees was hit the hardest by the weather, with reported wind gusts of up to 108 mi/173 km per hour. Merignac Airport (LFBD/BOD) in Bordeaux, Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport (LFBZ/BIQ) in Biarritz, Pau Pyrenees Airport (LFBP/PUF) in Pau and Toulouse Blagnac International Airport (LFBO/TLS) closed as a result of the power outages and strong winds. Fallen trees and other debris blocked roads and railways. The Pont d'Aquitaine, located northwest of Bordeaux , was closed to traffic, as were the bridges to the islands of Re and Oleron. Residents were advised to stay in their homes for their safety.