12 dead as rain and wind batter France in serious winter storm

12 dead as fierce storms batter France

PARIS — Fierce rain and strong winds have left at least 12 people dead across France as a violent winter storm battered the country.

Most of the victims drowned, while others died when hit by parts of buildings or trees that were ripped off in the winds.

Nearly 900,000 people were without electricity Sunday.

Winds reached about 200 kilometers (120 mph) on the summits of the Pyrenees Mountains and about 150 kilometers (90 mph) along the Atlantic Coast.