Tornado Hits Southern France: 41 Injured, 300 Homes Damaged

What Happened in Pomas, Southern France?

A powerful tornado in southern France tore through the village of Pomas in the Aude department on Monday, August 24, 2026, at about 5:20 p.m., leaving 41 people injured and roughly 300 homes damaged, local authorities said. The storm struck the community of about 1,000 residents between Carcassonne and Limoux, ripping roofs from houses and uprooting trees within minutes. Fifteen of the injured were hospitalised, and two people were still being searched for under the rubble of a collapsed home, according to BFMTV.

Residents described a scene of sudden devastation. "The village is half destroyed, it is terrible," one woman told BFMTV. A shop owner who watched his business collapse added: "It happened so fast that we could do nothing."

The tornado was one of several extreme weather events in the Mediterranean that hit southern France during a late-summer thunderstorm outbreak.

Damage, Casualties and Emergency Response

According to the prefecture of Aude, around 300 homes were damaged across the affected area, with many roofs completely torn off and some structures partially collapsed. In Pomas alone, about 100 homes were affected. Power was cut to roughly 2,800 households in approximately ten communes.

• 41 people injured, 15 hospitalised
• 300 homes damaged, including about 100 in Pomas
• 2,800 households without electricity
• 117 km/h peak wind gusts recorded by Météo France

More than 115 firefighters responded, including 14 urban search-and-rescue specialists with canine units. Two emergency shelters were opened overnight in Pomas and nearby Limoux. Gendarmes patrolled the damaged streets to prevent looting, while crews worked to restore power and clear debris.

Local officials compared the response to previous natural disaster relief operations in the region, mobilising reinforcements from neighbouring departments.

Wider Regional Impact and Travel Disruption

The severe weather extended well beyond Pomas. Météo France had issued an orange alert for Aude and several other southern French departments because of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds. The agency recorded more than 30 mm of rain in a single hour. The alert was lifted around 7 p.m. on Monday.

In Bouches-du-Rhône, strong winds tore the roof off an Amazon warehouse, prompting the evacuation of 140 employees. Several departmental roads were closed due to fallen trees and debris.

The storm also disrupted sport: stage 3 of the Vuelta a España was stopped less than 20 kilometres from the finish in Font-Romeu in the French Pyrenees because of hail and dangerous riding conditions. Riders abandoned the stage as organisers prioritised safety.

What Caused the Tornado and What Happens Next?

Tornadoes are rare in southern France but can occur during late-summer storms when warm, humid Mediterranean air collides with cooler air masses, creating rotating updrafts. The Pomas tornado formed within a broader severe weather system that triggered orange alerts across multiple departments.

In the coming days, authorities will assess structural damage, restore electricity and support displaced families. Insurance claims after storm damage are expected to rise as residents document losses. The priority remains locating any missing people and helping the community recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the tornado hit in France?

The tornado struck the village of Pomas in the Aude department of southern France, between Carcassonne and Limoux, on August 24, 2026.

How many people were injured in the Pomas tornado?

Forty-one people were injured, and 15 were taken to hospital. Two people were initially reported missing under rubble.

How many homes were damaged by the tornado?

Approximately 300 homes were damaged, including about 100 in Pomas.

Did the severe weather affect the Tour of Spain?

Yes, stage 3 of the Vuelta a España was stopped less than 20 km from the finish in Font-Romeu because of hail and dangerous conditions.

Was there a weather warning before the tornado?

Yes, Météo France issued an orange alert for Aude and other departments, with wind gusts reaching 117 km/h.