London: Winter storms are sweeping across western Europe, causing three deaths and widespread disruption, reports BBC. Tens of thousands of people have been affected by power cuts, and air travel has been disrupted. Two people drowned on Spain's northern Basque coast after being swept away by a huge wave and a skier was killed by a falling tree in the French Alps.

For the first time, the Dutch authorities shut all five of its major sea barriers. Two later reopened. Gusts of more than 110km/h (68mph) were recorded at Amsterdam airport where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Winds of up to 147km/h were recorded in France. Fifteen people were injured in incidents across the country, four seriously. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was closed because of the strong winds. Parks were also closed because of worries over falling tree branches.