Powerful Storm " Dirk " has hit Northern Europe , bringing strong winds that exceed 140 km per hour and torrential rains .

At least six people died in the UK and two in France , while many others were injured . At least 240 thousand households in the region of Normandy in France , were left without electricity and , as media reports , they can spend the Christmas holidays under candlelight .

Dozens of people have been trapped in cars covered by water . Railway companies have suspended train traffic as a result of numerous trees
Bad weather
Durres beach area flooded
Snow covers the land
Bad weather grips the country
fallen .

In Britain dozens of flights were canceled at Heathrow Airport , Bristol and Glasgow . In Ireland , five thousand telephone lines are out of order .

Bad weather has also hit Spain , Portugal and the Netherlands .