On 25 August, a tornado struck the village of Pomas in south-west France, injuring 39 people and causing extensive destruction. Fifteen people were taken to hospital, two in critical condition, while more than 120 emergency workers were deployed. Winds reaching 117 km/h tore roofs from buildings and damaged an estimated 300 homes, with one resident saying half the village had been destroyed. Around 2,800 homes lost electricity as severe thunderstorms affected the region. The extreme weather also disrupted transport, causing flight delays and cancellations at several French airports. Residents described terrifying scenes as buildings collapsed, trees were uprooted, and debris flew through the air. The tornado follows a summer of exceptional heatwaves and wildfires across Europe, including devastating fires in south-west France.