A powerful storm has caused extensive damage in several European countries, including France, Italy and Switzerland.
Strong winds, intense rainfall, and large hail have damaged vehicles, homes, and trees, while the situation has created moments of panic for residents.
In Switzerland, large hail hit several areas, damaging gardens and causing other material damage. The hailstones were extremely large, comparable in size to a tennis ball, indicating the rare intensity of the atmospheric phenomenon.
In France, winds reached speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, or 145 kilometers per hour. Images released showed trees bent by the force of the wind and heavy rain hitting roads.
The situation was particularly difficult in the Seine-et-Marne region, where one person was knocked to the ground while trying to cope with the strong winds. On the A36 motorway near Besançon, a driver reported seeing large hailstones that had penetrated his vehicle and broken windows.
In Paris, hail also damaged vehicles and trains, breaking windows. In another incident, a large tree branch was snapped by the wind and crashed into a car while the driver was still inside.
Supercell storms are powerful, rotating storm systems that can last for several hours and are accompanied by very strong winds, intense rainfall, and large hail.
Authorities and residents in the affected areas are dealing with the consequences of the extreme weather, while images published on social media show the extent of the damage caused by the storm.
