Severe storms swept across France overnight into June 26, bringing deadly flash floods, hurricane-force winds, and tennis ball-sized hail that caused widespread damage, power outages, and at least two deaths. Authorities and emergency services remain on high alert as cleanup and rescue operations continue.
Major Impacts Across the Country
Loss of Life and Injuries
A 12-year-old boy was killed in Montauban (southwest France) when a tree collapsed onto a campsite. In Mayenne (northwest), a 59-year-old man died after hitting a fallen tree with his quad bike. At least 17 others were injured across France, including four critically, most due to falling trees and debris.
Flash Flooding in Paris
Torrential rain flooded streets and metro stations in Paris. The National Assembly had to pause a session when water leaked through the ceiling, symbolizing the literal breakdown of infrastructure during the storm.
À Paris, des inondations majeures ont paralys, la ville ce 25 juin: pluies torrentielles, vents puissants, rues et stations de métro submergées, secours débordés. #Paris #Inondations #Tempête pic.twitter.com/BuZxbJ5wUM
— Nancy Roc (@TheNancyRoc) June 26, 2025
Hail, Wind, and Lightning
Southwestern France—including Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne, and the Basque region—was pummeled by hailstones the size of tennis balls (6–7 cm / 2.3–2.7 in), shattering windows and devastating farms. Winds exceeded 120 km/h (75 mph), and more than 39,000 lightning strikes were recorded in just a few hours across France and Belgium.
Massive Power Outages
Between 39,000 and 110,000 homes lost electricity, particularly in hard-hit rural areas. Restoration crews are working around the clock to reconnect residents.
What Caused This?
Meteorologists blame the extreme weather on a volatile mix of high surface temperatures exceeding 30 °C (86 °F), an upper-level cold trough that triggered instability, and supercell storms capable of intense hail, downbursts, and torrential rain. This unstable setup is becoming increasingly common as France grapples with the effects of climate change.
25.06.2025#France #Paris #tempête
— Climate Review (@ClimateRe50366) June 25, 2025
Wind,hail the size of tangerines,flooded streets,fallen trees in Paris. Several metro stations were closed due to flooding.The thermometer dropped by almost 11.4°C in just 20 minutes.There are dead and injured.@MeteoExpress @CLPRESSFR pic.twitter.com/vE8ByyzgBA
Rural Regions Devastated
The farming community has been hit especially hard. Vineyards, cornfields, and livestock shelters were shredded by hail and wind. The national farmers’ union has already called for immediate disaster relief. In cities and small towns alike, roads remain blocked, and emergency services are clearing debris, restoring utilities, and assisting displaced families.
Storm Season Is Just Beginning
This latest disaster follows a May flood in the Var region that killed three people, and additional flooding across Brittany and Normandy earlier this year. Experts warn that this is part of a long-term shift toward more frequent and violent storms in France.
Public Safety and Outlook
Météo-France continues to monitor conditions with more storms possible in northern and central France later today. Authorities advise avoiding travel in affected regions, staying indoors during storms, and reporting downed trees and power lines. France is clearly entering a new era of climate challenges. As infrastructure strains under repeated assault from extreme weather, officials are being urged to upgrade flood defenses, storm drainage, and response coordination.
