The storm Lothar sweeps across Central Europe, killing 137 and causing US$1.3 billion in damage.

Cyclone Lothar

1999 windstorm in Western Europe

Cyclone Lothar is regarded as the worst European windstorm recorded during the 20th century. Crossing France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany between 25 December and 27 December 1999, Cyclone Lothar's average winds reached up to 115 km/h inland (Orly), but with gusts exceeding…