The storm hit the Normandy seaside resort of Villers-sur-Mer. A 31-year-old kitesurfer was thrown against the facade of a restaurant by a gust of wind and was killed. Three visitors to a casino were injured by flying cafe chairs and tables.
Rescuers are searching for someone missing at sea by boat and helicopter in Deauville, near Villers-sur-Mer. A triathlon held in Deauville had to be canceled because tents were blown away from the participants. They have found shelter in the town.
A heat wave has been going on in France for a while, the temperature rose above 42 degrees on Saturday. In Biarritz on the Atlantic coast, near the Spanish border, the mercury rose to 42.9 degrees. Never before was it so hot in that place. As far as is known, the extreme heat has killed at least two elderly people.
Météo France predicts thunderstorms for Saturday night that will move into the country from the Atlantic coast. They can be accompanied by violent lightning and strong wind gusts. The weather change is likely to end the heat wave, although it could last a little longer in the east.