Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Rare-Intensity Tornado Injures Dozens in Southwestern France Village
A powerful tornado hit a village in southwestern France on Monday.
The village is called Pomas, in the Aude region.
Many buildings were damaged, and more than 300 homes were affected.
Thirty-nine people were injured, including two who were in critical condition.
No one was reported missing.
The storm also knocked out electricity for about 21,000 homes.
Videos showed the tornado near Verzeille during a very strong supercell thunderstorm.
The articles say it formed during that storm, but they do not give more detailed scientific reasons for its formation.
A tornado struck Pomas in southwestern France on Monday, injuring 39 people, including two critically.
The tornado damaged more than 300 homes and tore roofs from buildings as winds exceeded 240 km/h.
Around 21,000 homes lost power, according to energy-grid operator ENEDIS.
Officials said no one was missing, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the tornado as severely damaging and unusually intense.
Videos showed the tornado forming near Verzeille beneath a violent supercell thunderstorm; France experiences nearly 50 tornadoes annually.
- Who
- Residents of Pomas and nearby areas were affected; 39 people were injured, and Laurent Nunez commented on the damage.
- What
- A tornado damaged more than 300 homes, injured people, and caused widespread power outages.
- When
- Monday, with the tornado shown in videos late that day.
- Where
- Pomas and nearby Verzeille in the Aude region of southwestern France.
- Why
- The tornado formed beneath a violent supercell thunderstorm; the articles do not provide a more specific explanation.
- Injuries
- 39 people were injured, including two in critical condition.
- Property damage
- More than 300 homes were damaged.
- Wind speed
- Winds exceeded 240 km/h.
- Power outages
- About 21,000 homes lost power.
- Missing people
- Authorities reported that no one was missing.
- Weather warning
- The region was under an orange thunderstorm warning.
- Annual tornadoes
- France sees nearly 50 tornadoes each year, according to The Connexion.