Storm Nils Unleashes Destructive Winds, Deadly Avalanches Across Western Europe

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Written by Aaron Studwell, Ph.D., Energy Meteorologist & Analyst, for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

Storm Nils battered Western Europe with destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous Alpine snowfall. Widespread power outages, deadly avalanches, flooding threats and major transport disruptions affected France, Italy and neighboring countries, highlighting the storm's broad and severe impacts.

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Nils Impacts Europe

As Storm Nils swept across Western Europe, destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous snow conditions combined to create one of the most disruptive winter storms of the season. The storm formed over the Atlantic, intensifying as it moved toward France. Driven by a strong jet stream, a clash between mild ocean air and colder continental air fueled powerful winds and heavy precipitation.

As Nils made landfall in western France late on February 11, wind gusts exceeded 160--180 km/h (100--115 mph), especially along the Atlantic coast. The storm then tracked eastward across the country toward the Alps; colder air allowed heavy snowfall to accumulate rapidly at higher elevations. As fresh snow fell on top of older, unstable layers, extremely dangerous avalanche conditions developed. Authorities issued a rare red avalanche alert in Savoie and Level 5 warnings--the highest possible--across parts of the French Alps.

The unstable snowpack extended into northern Italy, where recent storms had already weakened the snow structure. Fresh snowfall and strong winds created ideal conditions for avalanches across the region. This combination of heavy snow, wind loading on slopes and fluctuating temperatures made the mountains particularly hazardous.

The impacts of Storm Nils were widespread and severe. Across France, roughly 850,000 to 900,000 households lost electricity as high winds toppled trees and downed power lines. The hardest-hit regions included Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie in southern France.

Flooding threats, particularly along the Garonne, forced alerts and emergency preparations. Industrial operations, transportation and supply chains were disrupted across parts of Western Europe with road closures, delayed trains and canceled flights reported across parts of France, Spain and Portugal.

In southwestern France, a truck driver was killed when a falling tree struck his vehicle during the height of the storm. Elsewhere in the Alps, avalanches claimed multiple lives across France and Italy as unstable snow conditions triggered deadly slides. In Italy, avalanches occurred near regions preparing to host events for the 2026 Winter Olympics, raising safety concerns even though managed venues remained monitored and operational.

Key Takeaways

• Wind gusts over 160--180 km/h (100-115 mph) caused extensive damage and outages in France.
• Rare red avalanche alerts issued in the French Alps; deadly slides in France and Italy.
• Up to 900,000 households lost power; flooding threats prompted emergency measures.
• Transport, industry and Olympic-region safety preparations disrupted across Western Europe.

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About IIR News Intelligence
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About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).