French insurance companies predict that the total damage from storm Ciaran may reach 500 million euros, according to the newspaper Le Figaro, Ednews informs.

In particular, the companies Risk Weather Tech and Saratec estimate the likely damage around 370-480 million euros.

However, a full picture of the scale of the disaster will not appear until December 1, when the deadline for submitting applications to insurance companies expires.

So far, damage estimates remain significantly lower than in 1999, when France was hit by hurricanes Lothar and Martin, the consequences of which required 6.9 billion euros in recovery.

Record-breaking winds in France and across much of western Europe left at least seven people dead and injured others as Storm Ciarán swept through the continent Thursday. The storm devastated homes, causing travel mayhem and cut power to a vast number of people.

Winds of more than 190 kph (118 mph) slammed the northern tip of France’s Atlantic coast, uprooting trees and blowing out windows. Huge waves slammed into French ports and shorelines, as wind flattened street signs and ripped off roofing. Felled trees blocked roads around western France.