Hailstorm in France and Belgium causes widespread property damage

Intense hailstorms swept across parts of France and Belgium on Saturday night, leaving extensive damage to homes, vehicles and public infrastructure. In Villiers‑Saint‑Frédéric, France, the storm produced severe flooding of houses, garages and basements, broke roof tiles, shattered windows and felled trees and power lines. Municipal crews worked through the night to clear debris, restore traffic and assess the damage, while the town began the process of applying for natural‑disaster status.

In Belgium, the same weather system caused wind gusts up to 108 km/h, leading to a fatal incident when a tree fell on a car in La Hulpe. Hundreds of emergency calls were logged, festivals were evacuated or cancelled, and many residents reported roof, vehicle and garden damage. The French insurers’ association Assuralia advised affected individuals to first contact their insurer, provide documentation of the damage and follow the insurer’s guidance on repairs or quotations. For vehicles, policyholders should verify whether they have comprehensive (omnium) coverage before filing a claim. Authorities also warned the public about opportunistic contractors seeking quick contracts after the storm.