Rare Tornado Tears Through Village in Southwestern France

A violent tornado struck Pomas, Aude department, on 24 August 2026, injuring 41 — 15 seriously — and damaging about 300 homes. Roofs were torn off and walls collapsed. Météo-France issued its highest vigilance alert. Such intense tornadoes are rare in southwestern France, making the destruction unusual for the region and raising questions about shifting weather patterns.