Wrecking Winds: Tornado Devasts Villages in Southern France

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:30:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A powerful tornado tore through southern French villages, injured dozens, left thousands without power and highlighted the rising threat of severe weather in Europe.

A destructive tornado ripped through the Var and Vaucluse departments of southern France, leaving more than 40 people injured and 2,800 households without electricity. Winds over 100 km/h smashed roofs in Pomas, while downed power lines blocked roads. The storm, a rare European tornado, underscores the growing impact of climate‑driven extreme weather. Local authorities are restoring power and clearing debris, and residents hope for faster rebuilding.

A powerful tornado tore through several villages in the Var and Vaucluse departments of southern France on Monday, leaving dozens injured and sweeping away roofs.

Eyewitnesses in the small village of Verzeille captured video as the funnel rolled out from a thunderstorm, with winds clocked above 100 km/h (62 mph) ripping roofs and throwing debris across the streets of Pomas.

Local authorities report that roughly 2,800 households remain without electricity as of Monday evening, and several key roads have been blocked by downed power lines and collapsed houses.

Officials are working to restore power and clear roads, while emergency crews attend to the injured. The storm – an extremely rare event in the region – underscores a growing pattern of severe weather in Europe as global temperatures rise.

Residents hope for swift recovery, as the destroyed homes and infrastructure highlight the need for stronger building codes in rural France. For more on this story, visit BBC News.