Storm aftermath leaves two dead in France

The aftermath of a deadly storm continues to disrupt parts of France, with flooding concerns persisting in the southwest even as wind alerts are lifted, according to weather service Meteo-France.

France had recorded two deaths linked to Storm Nils: one on Thursday in the Landes department and a second "in the last hours" in Tarn-et-Garonne, a government spokesperson said.

The second victim was a man who was found in his garden.

Network operator Enedis said the storm left up to 900,000 customers without power at its peak; by Friday morning it had restored service to about half of those affected and mobilised 3000 personnel, including 2100 technicians.

Flood vigilance remained high.

Meteo-France maintained red flood alerts for Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne - to remain in place on Saturday - due to a significant Garonne river flood episode.

Meteo-France said the storm had "uncommon strength" and swept in from France's western seaboard overnight on Wednesday into Thursday and has now moved on tracking east into Europe.