Massive supercell storm hits France, Italy and Switzerland with hail smashing windows and ferocious 90mph winds leaving trail of destruction
A severe supercell storm swept across parts of France, Switzerland and northern Italy, bringing large hail, heavy rain and winds reported at up to 90mph. It damaged vehicles and property, disrupted transport and prompted warnings of further hazardous conditions, following weeks of extreme heat, drought and wildfires across Europe.
In France, footage showed strong winds affecting people and trees near Paris, hail shattering car windscreens near Besançon, and a train window collapsing during a storm. Golf-ball-sized hail was reported in northern Switzerland, while forecasters warned of heavy rain, hail, lightning and strong gusts in Italy’s Piedmont and Lombardy regions. The article links the storm to a wider summer of severe weather, citing estimates of €180 billion in heatwave-related economic damage and 36,000 heat-related deaths across Europe.
- Severe storms brought damaging hail and 90mph winds across three countries.
- France reported damaged cars, fallen branches and transport disruption.
- The storm followed a summer of extreme heat and drought.
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A supercell is a powerful type of thunderstorm with rotating winds. It can bring large hail, intense rain and damaging gusts, and may affect a wide area as it moves.
France, Switzerland and Italy share borders in western Europe, and storms can travel across them. Forecasters issue warnings so people and transport operators can prepare for hazards such as falling trees, flooding and hail.
The storm came after a period of heat, drought and wildfires in parts of Europe. These conditions can put pressure on communities, farming, transport and the economy, while severe storms bring a different set of risks.