A powerful supercell thunderstorm struck the communes of Chaux-Neuve, Foncine, and Châtelblanc in the Doubs region on the afternoon of April 28, 2025, surprising residents with its intensity. The storm unleashed a sudden hailstorm that transformed the landscape, leaving roads covered in a thick layer of ice and causing significant disruptions.
According to Météo Franc-Comtoise, the storm began around 5 PM and lasted for approximately one hour. During this time, it dumped up to 100mm of rain in just 60 minutes, creating hazardous conditions on the roads. Images shared on social media depicted scenes reminiscent of winter, with vehicles stranded and roads rendered impassable due to the hail accumulation.
"It’s quite surprising," remarked Gilbert Blondeau, a departmental councilor from Jura, who lives in Foncine-le-Haut. He described the thunder as a continuous rumble for about fifteen minutes, emphasizing the storm's unexpected ferocity. The mayor of Châtelblanc, Geneviève Moreau, confirmed that several basements were flooded, with water levels reaching about ten centimeters, but reassured that there were no injuries and that residents could sleep safely in their homes that night.
The storm was notably localized, affecting specific areas while leaving nearby locations relatively unscathed. An internet user noted, "And we at Pontets, just a few kilometers away, saw nothing at all! These storms are always fascinating!" This sentiment was echoed by Vince Kookalm, who described the visual spectacle of the storm, saying, "From Mouthe, the clouds on the border were moving north, while those towards Pontets were heading south, with a fixed center and constant rumbling... topped by an enormous cumulonimbus, captivating!"
As the storm progressed, it began to lose intensity around 6:15 PM. Météo France had issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in both the Doubs and Jura regions, which remains in effect until the morning of April 29, 2025. This alert serves as a precautionary measure as meteorologists continue to monitor weather patterns in the area.
Images from Météo Franc-Comtoise vividly illustrate the aftermath of the storm, showing roads blanketed in several centimeters of hail. The sudden change in weather has raised concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and community safety. Residents are now left to contend with the aftermath, including potential flooding and damage to property.
The storm has sparked discussions about the unpredictability of weather patterns in the region, particularly as spring progresses. Historically, April has seen variable weather in the Doubs and Jura, but such intense storms remain a rarity. Local meteorologists and residents alike are left contemplating the implications of these extreme weather events.
As the communities begin to recover from the storm, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further weather disturbances. The Doubs and Jura regions are no strangers to sudden weather changes, but the intensity of this particular storm has caught many off guard.
In the wake of the storm, local authorities are assessing the damage and working to clear roads and restore normalcy. The swift response from emergency services has been crucial in ensuring that residents are safe and that any disruptions are addressed promptly.
As the weather continues to be unpredictable, residents are reminded to stay informed through local weather updates and alerts. The recent storm serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in facing such challenges.
In conclusion, the supercell thunderstorm that swept through the Doubs and Jura on April 28, 2025, has left a significant mark on the region. With heavy rainfall and hail causing widespread disruption, the local communities are now focused on recovery and future preparedness.
