Rare tornado hits Paris, France. A rare and powerful tornado hit parts of the Île-de-France region at 17:45 local time on Monday, October 20, producing severe local damage in the Val-d’Oise department, about 20 kilometers (13 miles) north-east of Paris. The phenomenon lasted only a few minutes but was described by authorities as an event of “sudden and rare intensity.” The tornado caused significant destruction across several communes, including Ermont, Eaubonne, Franconville, and Sannois. At least three large cranes toppled at a construction site, crushing vehicles and damaging nearby buildings. Several vehicles were overturned, numerous roofs were torn off, trees were uprooted, and power lines were brought down, obstructing several local roads.