France puts Atlantic departments on alert from high seas

France has put eight Atlantic departments on high alert as storm waves, some of them up to ten metres high, continue to smash into buildings close to the shore line.

In Biarritz one woman has already died after being swept off the rocks.

In a separate incident a wave swept over a local lifeguard station smashing windows and slightly injuring five youngsters, two of whom had to be treated in hospital.

Police have closed several beaches and coastal paths until the storms subside.