Storms Kill Two, Injure 17, Flood Paris, Cut Power Across France

Violent storms swept across France, causing widespread damage, flooding, and power outages, while killing two people, including a 12-year-old boy who was struck by a falling tree. The storms, which followed a heatwave, brought torrential rain, hail the size of tennis balls, and winds reaching up to 75-70 mph, leading to fallen trees, flooded streets, and metro station closures in Paris. Floodwater entered the National Assembly, forcing a temporary suspension of a Middle East debate, with lawmakers noting the unusual indoor rain. The storms caused extensive agricultural damage, especially in Champagne, Picardy, and the Massif Central regions, and disrupted transportation nationwide, including train services. Emergency services responded to numerous reports of fallen trees and infrastructure damage, with nearly 110,000 homes losing power. Authorities have announced park closures for safety inspections and allowed students affected by the storms to retake national exams.