Particle.news

Tornado Strikes Pomas, Southern France, Damaging About 300 Homes

A fast violent supercell produced record gusts with large hail, prompting safety inspections that are delaying power and transport restorations.

Overview

  • The tornado formed over Pomas on Monday around 17:20 and hit the village in minutes, ripping roofs, collapsing walls and causing concentrated local destruction.
  • The prefecture reported 41 people treated at the victim gathering point and said 15 were evacuated to hospitals while confirming no deaths so far.
  • Authorities say roughly 300 dwellings were damaged and teams of more than 120 firefighters plus gendarmes are on site securing buildings and running shelter operations.
  • Meteorological services logged a supercell with hailstones of 3–5 cm and wind gusts recorded at about 105–121 km/h at nearby stations, which helped produce the unusual intensity.
  • The storm also cut power to thousands, disrupted roads and rail services, and officials are conducting building inspections before residents can safely return while repairs continue.