Severe thunderstorms flood parts of the Sarthe

La Fleche – 16 July 2026: Severe thunderstorms hit western France on Wednesday evening, causing considerable damage, particularly in the Sarthe department. According to initial assessments, more than 50 municipalities were affected by numerous lightning strikes. The storm was concentrated in the south of the department around La Fleche. Heavy rain quickly flooded roads and low-lying areas, and several residents had to leave their homes.

In Villaines-sous-Malicorne, up to 75 millimetres of precipitation were measured within one hour, with a total of 82 millimetres falling there. The exceptionally high volume of rain led to heavy surface runoff and local flooding. Such rainfall can flood basements, driveways and minor roads within a short period, even when larger rivers do not immediately burst their banks.

The SDIS 72 fire service recorded more than 150 call-outs. Emergency crews were deployed, among other things, for flooded buildings, fallen trees and weather-related damage. In La Fleche, trees were damaged or uprooted by wind gusts in several neighbourhoods. According to the information initially released, nobody was injured.

At times, up to 17,000 households in the department were without electricity. The outages followed lightning strikes and damage to the grid during the thunderstorm front. Restoration work continued on Thursday. For affected households, the outages created additional difficulties, as communication devices, lighting and electrical appliances could not be used temporarily.

The thunderstorms developed in a weather pattern involving very warm air near the ground and cooler air at higher altitudes. This contrast favoured the rapid formation of sometimes highly energetic thunderstorm cells. More than 12,000 lightning strikes were recorded nationwide on July 15. In addition to Pays de la Loire, parts of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes were also affected by severe thunderstorms.

On Thursday, the risk of thunderstorms persisted in several regions of France. Authorities advised people to avoid staying outdoors when thunderstorms approach, not to park vehicles under trees and not to drive on flooded roads. The danger posed by wind gusts, falling branches and lightning can rise quickly, especially at campsites, outdoor events and in wooded areas.

The severe weather in the Sarthe has hit a region that has also been affected by drought and high temperatures in recent weeks. Heavy rain following prolonged heat can run off particularly quickly at a local level because dried-out soils absorb water less effectively. For municipalities, alongside assessing the damage, securing hazardous areas and restoring normal services are now the main priorities.