A tornado caused significant damage in a village in southwestern France; two people are missing, and at least 42 people were injured.
The tornado struck the community of Poma around 5:20 p.m. (local time, 6:20 p.m. in Cyprus), the Aude prefecture announced.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Local authorities reported that 41 injured people received medical care. Five had to be taken to the hospital, including a pregnant woman who was injured when part of her house collapsed. A sofa saved her life when a wall collapsed, according to the gendarmerie.
More striking images of the tornado that swept through the area south of Carcassonne in the Aude department, from the town of Verzeille. Damage has been reported. (© Denis Maréchal) pic.twitter.com/RYiuPm0Xt5
— Météo Express (@MeteoExpress) August 24, 2026
The prefecture announced that approximately 100 homes were damaged, adding that two shelters had been opened to provide overnight accommodation for those affected.
The tornado’s destructive path is evident in numerous videos broadcast by French media outlets. Several roads in the department were closed due to fallen trees, but also to facilitate access for rescue crews, according to local authorities.
THE ATMOSPHERE EXPLODED AFTER 5 HEAT DOMES!Today, a powerful supercell thunderstorm produced a large and spectacular tornado in France’s Aude department, south of Carcassonne.
The footage is absolutely shocking.
AdvertisementA massive supercell tornado… pic.twitter.com/3w6J0P0yct
— Jeo Albant (@jeoalbant) August 24, 2026
At approximately 7:30 p.m., 2,800 households in 10 municipalities remained without power.
The meteorological service had issued an “orange alert” for dangerous weather conditions in 20 departments in southern France, including Aude.
When Mother Nature gets angry, words are no longer enough…#tornado #aude pic.twitter.com/7jeMrC4nT4
— Seathiell
(@Seathiell) August 24, 2026
#Paumas, video taken very close to—or even at the heart of—the #tornado. This resident is trying to hold onto his sliding glass door to keep it from shattering under the force of the wind. #Aude pic.twitter.com/xzEq3kxao9
Advertisement— Anthony FERRY (@anthonyferry75) August 24, 2026
The third stage of the Tour of Spain, which started in Aude, was permanently suspended due to a hailstorm that forced the cyclists to seek shelter about 20 kilometers from the finish line in the neighboring department of the Eastern Pyrenees.
When Mother Nature gets angry, words are no longer enough…#tornado #aude pic.twitter.com/7jeMrC4nT4
— Seathiell
Source: Proto Thema
