ntense winds topping 100 kilometers per hour and relentless rainfall triggered flooding, uprooted trees, structural collapses and widespread power outages across southern Europe.

In France, authorities confirmed two fatalities linked to the extreme weather. A truck driver died when a tree pierced his windshield at the height of the storm. 

A day later, another person fell from a ladder in a garden accident blamed on hazardous weather conditions. Emergency services carried out up to 4,500 operations across the southern belt of the country and deployed 2,200 firefighters to handle rescues, clear roads and assist flooded homes.

French meteorologists described Nils as “unusually strong” and kept a red flood alert in place for the departments of Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne due to the risk of the Garonne River overflowing. 

Enedis reported that about 450,000 households still lacked electricity, down from the initial 900,000 affected customers. Around 3,000 workers restored power to half of those impacted within 24 hours, but crews continued to operate in difficult conditions.

In Spain, officials also confirmed fatalities and dozens of injuries. A woman died after the roof of an industrial warehouse collapsed on her. 

In Catalonia alone, authorities recorded 86 injuries tied directly to the storm. Strong gusts tore down trees, toppled streetlights and damaged infrastructure in multiple cities.

In Barcelona, a woman died after being hospitalized at Vall d’Hebron Hospital. A 68-year-old man remains in serious condition after a falling lamppost caused pelvic and femur fractures and chest trauma. A 56-year-old construction worker suffered a catastrophic leg injury when a wall collapsed while he was working, leaving doctors to assess the risk of amputation.

The tragedy also occurred in France

The powerful storm Nils has left a tragic toll in Spain and France, where at least three 

Civil Protection volunteers also suffered injuries when trees fell in Sant Boi de Llobregat. Two remain hospitalized, one in critical condition and another in serious but stable condition. Others with minor injuries have already been discharged.

Transportation networks struggled under the pressure of the extreme weather. Authorities canceled flights, trains and ferry services, while flooding and fallen trees blocked major roads. In Portugal, rising waters partially collapsed a viaduct, compounding regional disruption.

Although the storm moved eastward and began to leave French territory, flood risks persisted in several areas. Officials urged residents to limit travel and follow emergency guidance as rivers remained swollen and unstable.

The deaths and widespread damage in Spain and France highlight the growing impact of extreme weather events. Experts warn that such powerful systems may become more frequent, intensifying the need for stronger infrastructure, improved early warning systems and coordinated emergency responses across Europe.