XYNTHIA WALLOPS EUROPE

(Above) A fallen tree claims the lives of two near Arlanzon, Spain (Courtesy of the Associated Press)

A powerful late winter storm, named Xynthia, battered France, Spain, and Portugal on Sunday. The storm brought heavy rain and hurricane force winds that killed 52 and left dozens of others injured. France took the brunt of the storm as 46 people lost their lives by drowning. The other deaths were caused by falling trees and tree branches

Winds of over 100mph in some locations damaged buildings and knocked over power lines. Over 1 million people were without power at the height of the storm. Transportation was heavily effected as well with hundreds of flights cancelled and trains shut down across the region.