Gusts of 142 km/h, hail, falling trees: Impressive images of storms that swept Île-de-France

Powerful storms lashed the Île-de-France region on Thursday evening, leaving a trail of damage and disrupting daily life. The severe weather brought torrential rain, gale-force winds, and hailstones, with wind gusts recorded at an astonishing 142 km/h in Chevru, Seine-et-Marne. Another location, Nangis, recorded gusts of 130 km/h during the passage of a supercell.

The storms caused widespread material damage, including uprooted trees that fell on cars and blocked streets. Heavy rainfall led to temporary flooding in several Parisian streets, with Melun experiencing 25.8 liters of water per square meter in just 30 minutes. Hail was also reported in various sectors, including Montsouris in Paris.

Emergency services, including the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP), responded to around 60 incidents related to the storms. The majority of these interventions were for fallen trees and flooded areas. While most damage was material, one person was injured in Chevilly-Larue after a falling branch caused a fractured arm. Despite the significant impact, a BSPP spokesperson described the situation as not critical, emphasizing the predominantly material nature of the damage.