Tornado damages homes and injures people in southern France amid severe storms

A tornado struck the Aude department in southern France, causing damage and injuries. The Prefectural authorities reported that those injured were in "relative urgency," with five individuals transported to hospitals. Search and rescue teams, including specialists and a canine unit, were deployed to Pomas, one of the most affected localities situated between Carcassonne and Limoux. The Red Cross also responded to assist those affected, and temporary shelters were established for the night. Approximately 100 homes sustained damage. Several departmental roads were rendered impassable due to fallen trees or to facilitate emergency operations. Additionally, around 2,800 households lost electricity across ten municipalities in the department. Aude remained under a "orange alert" for storms, the second-highest level, prompting the Prefectural authorities to advise the public to avoid affected areas, adhere to emergency service instructions, and rely solely on official information sources. The severe weather also impacted the Vuelta a España cycling race, forcing the cancellation of its third stage due to heavy rain and hail near the Col de Mont Louis, citing the need to protect the safety of the cyclists. Météo France, the national meteorological institute, warned of further storms in the Mediterranean region, potentially bringing heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds of up to 110 km/h, with gusts reaching 120 km/h in some areas. The forecast indicates continued instability in the coming days, with storms expected to move northeast and potentially become violent in northwestern France later in the week.