Marseille is reeling from the impact of violent winds this weekend, marked by tragic incidents and widespread disruptions. On Sunday, March 9, 2025, two men were seriously injured when a window fell from a building undergoing renovation near the flea market. Around 10 AM, the massive gusts caused chaos as they reached speeds of 120 km/h, leading to devastating outcomes for passers-by.
The injured individuals, aged 46 and 60, suffered significant injuries; one man faces life-threatening conditions as he was struck by the window on his neck. The other suffered head injuries but reportedly remains stable. Emergency responders, including firefighters from Bouches-du-Rhône, quickly transported both victims to Nord Hospital for treatment. A statement from the firefighters indicated, "The prognosis of the 46-year-old is engaged," highlighting the gravity of the incident.
Following the alarming situation, Météo-France issued warnings for the region, placing Marseille under orange alert for violent winds at 10 AM. The gusts contributed to multiple disruptions throughout Bouches-du-Rhône, with the fire department reporting about 176 interventions from 7 AM to noon on the same day. Notably, about 90 interventions were directly related to the high winds, as trees fell and power lines collapsed across the area.
Reports indicate considerable instability; parks and gardens across Marseille were closed to the public to prevent accidents from falling debris. The Mazargues district faced power outages, with approximately 70 residents left without electricity due to faulty infrastructure. Meanwhile, around 1,200 households were affected across the Bouches-du-Rhône, and Enedis was actively working to restore power to all areas, stating they would continue interventions "late" on Sunday night to reactivate services.
Other communities, such as Aix-en-Provence, also felt the storm's wrath, with approximately 1,080 homes losing power. The entire region of Provence was urged to exercise caution as the winds caused trees and outdoor items to go airborne, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Emergency services stressed the importance of limiting unnecessary movements for safety.
On the coast, sailing operations were also affected due to this storm. The usual ferry service to Frioul Island and the Château d’If was disrupted, demonstrating the event’s extensive impact. While the Old Port seemed relatively calm, boats were cautioned against the inclement weather. A local professional noted, "We have seen considerably more exceptional situations," indicating this storm had been anticipated for two days.
The peak of the storm was accounted to last up to 2 PM, with gusts expected to drop off past mid-afternoon. Reports confirm gusts of winds had already exceeded 120 km/h at Bec-de-l'Aigle and 105 km/h at Trets.
Onlookers took to the coastal areas, drawn by the spectacle of towering waves reaching heights of five meters, particularly viewed from Sète. Yet, the authorities quickly directed them to remain at safe distances, warning of the potential dangers posed by high tides and severe storms.
Châteauneuf-le-Rouge also reported its challenges when gusts sparked flames early on Sunday morning, but the situation was contained without extensive damage. No injuries were reported from this incident, showcasing the rapid response capability of local firefighting teams.
Despite the storm's threats, residents maintained resilience as this situation unfolded. Firefighters remained vigilant against both the winds and hazards from falling objects, with operations set to continue throughout the day. Several householders attempted to clean up their properties, only to be warned against unnecessary risks.
With meteorologists forecasting changes later on Sunday, communities will remain alert as the volatile weather begins to calm. For now, the Bouches-du-Rhône stands as a stark reminder of nature's ferocity, compelling all residents to heed warning signals and exercise care as incidents continue to emerge. The authorities are taking this opportunity to remind everyone of the dangers inherent to severe weather conditions and the importance of swift emergency responses.