A powerful tornado struck southwest France, injuring 41 people and damaging about 300 homes in the village of Boumas, according to French authorities on Monday. Fifteen of the injured were taken to hospital. Several areas also experienced power outages and disruptions to trains, roads, and flights, as officials issued an orange weather alert across large parts of the region.
The storm left its heaviest impact on Boumas, a village of about 1,000 residents, where roofs were torn off several homes and emergency crews rushed to the scene to deal with the damage.
Boumas Bears the Worst of the Storm
Around 300 Homes Damaged
Boumas, in southwest France, was among the hardest-hit locations. Authorities said the tornado damaged around 300 homes, with several roofs ripped off completely or partially. The scale of the destruction left many residents dealing with significant property losses.
More than 120 emergency workers were deployed to the village, local officials said, to help secure the area and assist residents. Fifteen injured people were taken to hospital, including a pregnant woman who was hurt when her house collapsed on her.
Strong Winds Recorded Nearby
France’s national weather service said winds reached 117 kilometers per hour in the nearby village of Arquette-en-Val. The speed of the storm highlights how severe the weather system was as it swept through the area and caused damage across nearby communities.
Orange Alert and Widespread Disruptions
Power Cuts and Transport Problems
Authorities issued an orange alert for storms across large areas of southwest France as the weather caused widespread disruption. Power was cut to 2,800 homes in 10 villages, adding to the difficulties faced by residents already dealing with storm damage.
The tornado and severe storms also delayed trains, forced road closures, and caused delays and cancellations at airports in Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, and even Paris, according to Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot.
Infrastructure Under Pressure
The severe weather disrupted the transport network, affecting travelers and freight movement alike. Officials are working to restore services while emergency teams continue assessing damage and clearing debris, fallen trees, and roof material.
Sports Event Also Affected
Vuelta Stage Cancelled in Aude
In the Aude department, officials canceled the third stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race after a hailstorm forced riders to take shelter. The cancellation underscores the wider impact of the severe weather across southern France, affecting not only communities and infrastructure but also major sporting events.
Damage Assessment Continues
French authorities are still monitoring the situation in the affected areas, with further assessments expected as crews continue to clear roads and restore power. With the orange alert still in place across parts of the southwest, officials say the priority remains safety, repair work, and support for those affected.
Conclusion:
The tornado that hit southwest France caused injuries, widespread damage to homes, power cuts, transport disruptions, and the cancellation of a cycling stage. Emergency crews continue to respond in Boumas and surrounding areas while authorities maintain weather alerts and assess the full extent of the losses.
