Severe weather, wildfires impact communities across U.S. and Europe

Residents in parts of Virginia are cleaning up after powerful storms brought damaging winds, flooding and widespread power outages this week.

(CNN)- Residents in parts of Virginia are cleaning up after powerful storms brought damaging winds, flooding and widespread power outages this week.

High winds ripped roofs from buildings, toppled trees and left many residents without electricity.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Charlie Turner, a farmer and pastor in Luray, Virginia.

Heavy rain also caused flooding in parts of the Northeast. In Massachusetts, torrential downpours flooded streets, stranded vehicles and prompted police to help motorists reach safety.

Meanwhile, wildfire activity continues to threaten communities across the western United States.

In Utah, crews are battling the Cottonwood Fire, which has blanketed areas near Goblin Valley State Park in an orange haze.

Wildfires are also burning across parts of Europe as extreme heat grips the region.

Firefighters in Greece worked to contain flames outside Athens, while France faced a fast-moving wildfire fueled by high temperatures and dry conditions.

The heat wave has spread across much of Europe, affecting countries including Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom.

In the U.K., hundreds of schools either closed or shortened their schedules as temperatures soared.

“I do feel a lot more hot and it’s harder to go to the park and have a nice time outside,” one resident said.

Forecasters continue to monitor severe weather, wildfire conditions and extreme heat as communities on both sides of the Atlantic deal with the impacts.