A powerful tornado struck the Aude region in southern France on Monday, damaging more than 300 homes and injuring 39 people, according to local authorities. The storm came as a severe summer heatwave gave way to thunderstorms across parts of southern France.
Two of those injured were in critical condition in the village of Pomas. Emergency teams were working in the area on Tuesday as residents began to assess the damage.
The tornado also caused power problems. About 21,000 households across France were without power on Tuesday morning. Around 1,600 of those homes were in Aude, according to the local power network operator.
The storm was seen near the village of Verzeille. Verified video showed a large funnel moving across the area. Strong winds broke windows and damaged homes in the tornado’s path.
Local officials described the tornado as a rare event because of its strength. The damage was spread across several communities in the region.
The storm arrived after a period of extreme heat. Southern France had faced very high temperatures before thunderstorms moved into the area. The change in weather created dangerous conditions in parts of the region.
Residents in affected areas were left to deal with damaged roofs, broken windows and other property losses. Emergency workers were also checking damaged buildings and helping people affected by the storm.
The full cost of the damage was not yet known on Tuesday. Local authorities were still assessing homes and other buildings. The number could change as inspections continue.
The event also shows how quickly weather conditions can change during a period of extreme heat. High temperatures can be followed by strong storms when cooler air moves into an area.
France has faced several severe weather events during the summer. Heat has affected many parts of the country, while storms have brought heavy rain, strong winds and lightning.
The Aude tornado was especially striking because tornadoes of this strength are not common in France. While weaker tornadoes can occur, a storm that damages hundreds of homes is a major event.
Officials urged people in affected areas to remain careful while damaged buildings were checked. Broken glass, loose roof material and unstable structures can create risks after a storm.
Power crews were also working to restore electricity. The outages added another problem for families already dealing with damage to their homes.
The storm struck at a time when France was moving from a long period of summer heat toward more unstable weather. That shift can produce strong thunderstorms when warm and moist air meets cooler air.
For residents of Aude, the immediate focus is recovery. Homes must be checked, damaged areas cleared and electricity restored.
The storm is also a reminder of the risks linked to extreme weather. Heatwaves and sudden storms can place pressure on emergency services and local communities.
Authorities will continue to assess the damage in the coming days. The final cost and the full impact on residents are likely to become clearer as recovery work continues.
For now, the Aude tornado has left hundreds of homes damaged and dozens of people injured. Emergency workers and residents face the task of rebuilding after one of the region’s most severe recent weather events.
