Severe storms cause widespread damage and power outages in France

Severe thunderstorms have caused widespread damage across several regions in France, including the Landes and Ariège departments.

In Landes, violent storms occurred during the night of August 23 to August 24, affecting approximately twenty communes. The weather resulted in power outages for about 7,500 households and caused significant infrastructure damage. Reported issues include fallen trees, flooded roads, and the closure of some businesses. Transportation has been disrupted, with the A64 motorway facing closures due to fallen trees and train traffic interrupted between Dax and Hendaye.

In Ariège, heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong wind gusts struck on August 20. The commune of Carla-Bayle experienced significant damage, particularly around its lake, where fallen branches and trees blocked paths. Data from Keraunos recorded 435 lightning strikes in the Ariège department on that day. The storms also caused power outages and downed trees in various sectors throughout the department.