Storm Ciarán facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Storm Ciarán |
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| Area affected | Ireland, United Kingdom, Benelux, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, |
| Date of impact | Currently active |
| Maximum wind gust | (207 km/h) 129 mph, Pointe du raz, France: 2 November 2023 |
| Fatalities | 15 |
| Power outages | 1,305,000 |
| Damage | Unspecified |
Storm Ciarán was a powerful storm that hit parts of Europe in late 2023. It formed during the storm season of 2023–2024. This storm brought very strong winds and heavy rain to many countries.
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What Was Storm Ciarán?
Storm Ciarán was a type of weather system called a European windstorm. These storms are large areas of low pressure that bring strong winds and bad weather. Ciarán developed in October and November 2023. It quickly grew powerful as it moved across the Atlantic Ocean.
Where Did Ciarán Hit?
The storm mainly affected countries in northwestern Europe. These included Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain. It also reached parts of the Czech Republic and Italy. Many people in these areas felt the storm's effects.
How Strong Were the Winds?
Storm Ciarán brought extremely strong winds. Some places recorded gusts over 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). These winds were strong enough to cause a lot of damage. The table below shows some of the highest wind speeds recorded in different countries:
| Country | Gust | Location |
|---|---|---|
 France |
207 km/h (129 mph) | Pointe du Raz |
 Germany |
144 km/h (89 mph) | Brocken |
 Italy |
197 km/h (122 mph) | Punta Ala |
 Netherlands |
116 km/h (72 mph) | IJmuiden |
 United Kingdom |
167 km/h (104 mph) | Isle of Jersey |
What Were the Impacts?
Storm Ciarán caused a lot of problems for people and places. Sadly, 15 people lost their lives because of the storm. Many trees were blown down, and buildings were damaged.
One of the biggest problems was power outages. Over 1.2 million homes in France lost electricity. This meant people were without lights, heating, and other important services. Travel was also greatly affected. Many flights, trains, and ferry services were canceled. This made it hard for people to get around. The storm showed how powerful nature can be and how important it is to be prepared.
