Several popular French tourist destinations remain underwater as the full extent of freak storms becomes clear.

High seas whipped by strong winds battered the Western coastline over the weekend. 

Firemen are scouring villages for survivors. At least 48 people have died from the onslaught. 

Rescue officials say powerful winds drove water from exceptionally high tides through sea walls. Residents complain the walls insufficiently protected them.

[Local Resident]:

"The sea carried everything with it. All the furniture of the sitting room, and look, even the TV is there."

Some 220,000 homes remained without power. 

Although the tourist season begins in just a few months, locals plan to renew their towns in time for travelers.