A powerful supercell storm has struck France, Italy, and Switzerland, bringing ferocious winds of up to 90 mph and hailstones the size of golf balls. The extreme weather follows a period of prolonged heatwaves across Europe, which have already caused significant damage and disruptions.
In France, the Seine-et-Marne region, east of Paris, experienced intense winds that reportedly sent people flying. Videos circulating online show trees bent at sharp angles and heavy rain falling horizontally. Hail damaged vehicles, shattering car windshields, and in one instance, large tree branches were seen falling onto cars. On a train in Paris, commuters were reportedly terrified as a locomotive window caved in due to the storm's intensity, allowing rainwater and hail to enter the carriage.
Switzerland also saw significant impact, with hailstones described as being the size of golf balls pelting homes in the northern parts of the country. Footage from inside a home showed outdoor furniture being destroyed by the intense hail.
Northern Italy, particularly the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, has been warned of severe rainfall, accompanied by hail, frequent lightning, and strong gusts of wind. Forecasters advised residents to expect disruptions to daily routines and outdoor activities.
The recent heatwaves across Europe are estimated to have caused approximately €180 billion (£154 billion) in damages, attributed to reduced productivity and disruptions in agriculture, energy, and transport sectors. Economists have noted that the current summer's extreme heat serves as a precursor to what may occur if climate change is not addressed forcefully. Beyond economic impacts, an estimated 36,000 people are believed to have died due to the heatwaves, with Germany and France experiencing the highest numbers of excess fatalities.