Cyclone gives thousands of children day off school

21 September 2006

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA — One man was hurt and 100,000 homes were left without electricty when the tropical storm Gordon arrived in Galicia on Thursday.

The 48-year-old suffered minor injuries when a tree was blown over onto the bonnet of his car in Arteixo.

More than 100,000 homes were left without power when electricity lines were cut.

Winds reached up to 100kmh and coastguards reported seven-feet high waves.

The fishing fleet in La Coruna, Pontevedra and Lugo did not set sail.

Emergency lines have been overwhelmed by calls.

Forecasters said the worst effects of the storm will hit the northwest region later in the day.

Over 2,000 schools have been closed and the rescue services put on alert.

Lino Naranjo, metereological expert,  said Gordon had been classed as a hurricane when it passed over the Azores, but had lost much of its power and was now classed as a tropical storm.

Aena, the state owned company which manages Spain’s airports, said no flights have been cancelled.

Gordon is heading for Britain.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news