World News
Tornado damages hundreds of homes and injures 41 in southwestern France
A rare severe storm tore through the village of Pomas, causing transport chaos and forced race cancellations across the Aude region.
The short version
- A tornado struck Pomas in France's Aude department on Monday, damaging approximately 300 homes and injuring 41 people, 15 of whom required hospitalization.
- The severe weather caused broad infrastructure disruption, including widespread power outages across 10 villages and significant delays across French air, road, and rail travel.
- Organizers canceled the third stage of the Vuelta a Espana cycling race in the department after a severe hailstorm forced participants to take shelter.
Key facts
- A tornado tore through the village of Pomas in southwestern France, injuring 41 people and hospitalizing 15.[France 24]
- Authorities estimated that around 300 homes in Pomas were damaged, with roofs torn off several structures.[France 24]
- Meteo-France recorded wind speeds of up to 117 km/h (73 mph) in the neighboring village of Arquettes-en-Val.[France 24]
- Approximately 2,800 homes across 10 villages lost electrical power due to the severe weather.[France 24]
- The storms led to road closures, train delays, and flight disruptions at airports in Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, and Toulouse.[France 24]
- Officials canceled the third stage of the Vuelta a Espana cycling event held in the Aude region following intense hail.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- According to Meteo-France, the degree to which climate change affects the frequency or severity of tornadoes in France remains uncertain.[France 24]