Severe thunderstorms in Northern France injure several, topple trees and destroy house

Météo‑France placed the Nord and Pas‑de‑Calais departments under yellow heat‑wave vigilance and orange storm vigilance on 18‑19 June. Violent thunderstorms produced hail, wind gusts up to 120 km/h and intense lightning. Lightning struck two men in Fampoux (Pas‑de‑Calais) and a 19‑year‑old woman in Lille, causing minor injuries. In Arras a falling plane tree injured a woman on Victor‑Hugo boulevard. A lightning strike ignited a house in Hem, destroying it and forcing the family and neighbours to be rehoused. Several vehicles were damaged by falling branches in Douai and a minibus was hit in the town centre. Train services between Lille and Douai were halted and later delayed up to 40 minutes. Municipalities, including Angres, urged residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, check on vulnerable neighbours and register them for emergency assistance. Authorities reminded the public to avoid open fields, tall objects and isolated trees during thunderstorms.