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Tornado Causes Major Damage South of Carcassonne
French forecasters had placed Aude on orange alert as the tornado brought 117 km/h gusts, roof damage and blocked roads.
On Monday, August 24, 2026, a tornado struck the Aude region near Carcassonne, ripping roofs from homes and blocking roads. The funnel cloud was observed near Pomas at approximately 5:20 p.m.
French weather forecasters had placed Aude under an orange alert for severe thunderstorms prior to the tornado. Storm conditions produced wind gusts of 117 km/h at Arquettes-en-Val and 105 km/h at Lezignan-Corbieres.
Around 58 firefighters and 15 gendarmes mobilized to coordinate the response, while 2,800 households lost power across several towns. Trees ripped up by wind blocked departmental roads.
The Pomas town hall established an emergency accommodation center, urging residents affected by the tornado to seek shelter there. Initial reports confirmed no injuries as of early evening.
Meteorological services warned that powerful storms could continue to bring torrential rain, large hail, and damaging wind gusts across southern France. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from trees during lightning activity.
The phenomenon was observed on Monday at 5:20 p.m. in Pomas, while the Aude was placed in orange vigilance for thunderstorms. Several roads were cut off and important means of relief were mobilized.