Powerful winds have hit parts of Spain, Portugal and France, causing serious damage. According to officials as winds of up to 140 kilometers per hour lashed parts of Spain, the interior minister warned people to stay inside, avoid driving and postpone walks. The weather was blamed for three deaths – one in each of the countries. Portugal's Madeira Island, which is reeling from downpours which killed dozens of people last week, was also hit by the fresh storm. All of Portugal was placed on orange alert – the second highest – by civil protection authorities.