A tornado ripped through the south western region of France yesterday, Monday 24 August 2026, leaving homes and buildings destroyed, and at least 41 injured of which two are still in critical condition in hospital, according to the BBC.
Where was the tornado and how bad was it?
The tornado swept through Aude, specifically hitting the village of Pomas, less than 20 km south of Carcassonne, where it had a devastating impact:
- At least 120 firefighters were sent to the scene to help the population of just 1,000
- One of the injured was a pregnant woman whose house collapsed on top of her, according to AFP
- 15 of the 41 people injured had to be hospitalised
- 300 homes were damaged
Facebook has set up a crisis support page where locals can seek support. Already several residents in neighbouring areas have offered up their homes for accommodation for the victims of the violent natural event.
This morning Aude local weather bureau said: “🔴 #DISASTER ➡️ The damage caused by the #tornado in the commune of #Pomas this Monday, August 24, 2026, is extensive: numerous homes destroyed, the château demolished, vehicles damaged, and vegetation completely devastated by the sheer force of the #wind. It is a scene of utter devastation. We extend our heartfelt support to the residents of this #Aude village who have just lost everything. 🌪️🌀”*
*The château was over 1,000 years ago, and at least a third has been destroyed according to a BBC report.
Are tornadoes common in France?
France experiences “dozens of tornadoes each year”, according to the France Meteo, explaining that although the United States is more exposed (and experiences far more), “France is not spared”.
It’s been a tumultuous summer season with a relentless heatwave (around two months). In Antibes, between Nice and Cannes, the temperature reached over 30 degrees for almost 60 days consecutively. In other parts of the south-west, terrible wildfires tore through huge swathes of land (42,000 hectares).
What is a tornado?
“A tornado is a violent whirlwind of winds that develops beneath a cumulonimbus cloud and extends to the ground,” explains France Meteo. “It is a relatively brief and highly localized phenomenon.”
The weather bureau describes a tornado as being among the most dangerous weather phenomena.
According to France Meteo, winds of up to 117 km/hr were recorded in a nearby village.
The national weather bureau says strong tornadoes are produced by thunderstorms, with the most violent ones being generated within ‘supercells’ (extremely violent storm cells, that are larger and last longer than ‘classic’ storm cells).
On the French Riviera, many trees were also uprooted by the thunderstorms moving out to sea.
Antibes’ townhall reported at least ten trees being uprooted, with one damaging a 20,000-volt high-voltage line.
