Storm Kyrill forms and devastates Europe

Fifteen years ago, Storm Kyrill formed over Newfoundland before battering Europe with hurricane strength winds and torrential rainfall killing 43 people across nine countries.

The severe storm first made landfall over the British Isles during the evening of January 17. Wind speeds up to 99 mph were recorded at The Needles off the Isle of Wight with speeds of 93 mph and 76 mph measured in Dublin and Swansea.

After making landfall across the UK and Ireland, Kyrill spread across Europe from the 18th, impacting Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic.

The highest wind speed of 132 mph was measured in the Krkonoše mountains in Poland, while in Germany several tornadoes spawned as wind speeds rose over 100 mph.

Across continental Europe, over two million homes were left without power as Kyrill tore down power cables and trees as well as damaging homes. The torrential rainfall which accompanied the strong winds also led to widespread flooding.

In addition to power cuts and flooding, Storm Kyrill caused widespread travel disruption across road, rail, air and port services with more than 280 flights cancelled at Heathrow Airport alone.

Kyrill, which was reminiscent of a hurricane, was first spotted four days before it slammed into Europe having formed over Newfoundland.

As the storm travelled it underwent a rapid intensification while crossing an intense polar jet stream which led to such a devastating impact and a final damages total of more than €1bn before the system dissipated on January 24.