Severe thunderstorms hit Paris and most of the country late on Wednesday evening, causing extensive damage, disrupting transport and causing power outages.
The storm hit the French capital around 9 p.m. local time, bringing heavy rain and fierce winds that reached speeds of up to 112 kilometres per hour. Authorities described the weather as a rare phenomenon known as a “derecho” (a line of squalls) – a powerful, prolonged storm that spread over nearly 700 kilometres.
The downpour was so heavy that visibility was reduced to less than 50 metres, streets were flooded and trees fell across the city.
According to Meteo France, around 40,000 lightning strikes were recorded in Paris, accompanied by large hailstones. Paris Orly Airport reported several flight delays due to severe weather, while wind gusts reached 100 kilometres per hour at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Parisian rescue services responded to hundreds of incidents. In particular, strong winds uprooted 50 trees, blocking major roads and boulevards. Several metro stations had to be closed due to flooding or debris falling on the stairs. There were also reports of water leaks in the National Assembly, where debates on the Middle East were temporarily suspended.
Storm victims in Paris
Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy died in Picquencourt in the Tarn-et-Garonne department after being hit by a falling tree. The tragic incident occurred near a stream where the child was with his family. In Mayenne, a man riding a quad bike was killed when a tree fell onto the road.
A total of 17 people were injured across France by the storm, with one victim in critical condition. Wind gusts exceeded 130 km/h in several regions, with 135 km/h recorded in Montbéliard and 134 km/h in Besse (Côte-d’Or). This broke historical records.
Rail services were disrupted across the country. Around 110,000 homes were left without electricity overnight. By Thursday morning, 100,000 of them were still without power.
In Normandy, the storm destroyed a church in Valay, causing its bell tower to collapse. Meanwhile, the French Ministry of Education assured that students who are unable to attend national exams due to the storms will be allowed to retake them.
