The state weather service, Meteo France, issued an alert for the northern part of the country, saying the dangerous gusts would continue to 8:00 pm (1900 GMT). It advised motorists to limit their time spent on the road and to watch out for falling trees.

In Normandy, a high bridge spanning the Seine river was buffeted by winds that knocked over a truck and a caravan, without causing injuries. Officials closed the structure after the incidents.

In Bordeaux, in the southwest, parks and gardens were ordered shut.

Emergency services in Paris said winds up to 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour rattled the capital, sparking calls from residents because of falling roof tiles and trees threatening to come down.