Winds of 110mph bring destruction in Italy as snow traps more than 1,000 drivers in France - Guardian

The death toll from fierce storms battering Italy has risen to nine as wild autumn weather swept across many parts of Europe.

Roads were blocked and thousands of people were left without power in southern and central Europe, as rain and violent winds sparked flooding and tore up trees.

Heavy snow fell in mountainous areas of France and Italy, trapping scores of drivers in their cars and tourists in hotels.

In Italy, where wind speeds reached 110mph (180km/h) in some areas, civil protection authorities announced a further four deaths, after confirming five people had perished on Monday.

A woman died when her home was engulfed by a mudslide in the northern region of Trentino, a man was killed by a falling tree in the north-eastern region of Veneto and a firefighter died during relief operations in South Tyrol.

A man was killed while kitesurfing on Monday near the town of Cattolica on the Adriatic coast. The local press sayid strong winds had blown him into rocks.

Venice was inundated by near-record flooding and tourists were barred from St Mark’s Square on Monday as local authorities said the high water peaked at 156cm. The water level has only topped 150cm five times before in recorded history.

In France, more than 1,000 drivers were trapped in their cars for the night in the mountains of the Massif Central region as snowstorms engulfed the roads. Another 400 had to spend the night in train carriages at the main station in the eastern city of Lyon after heavy snow blocked the tracks.

About 195,000 homes were without power across mainland France, most of them in eastern and central regions. Another 21,000 homes lost power on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which was placed on red alert on Monday for powerful winds, shutting its airports and ports. - Read More

Wild weather across Europe leaves nine dead in Italy

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