A new stormy episode swept through Burgundy on Saturday July 20, bringing intense rain, strong winds and even hail in some areas. Several communes, particularly in the Yonne department, suffered damage

After just five days’ respite in the sunshine, the weather turned stormy again on Saturday July 20, affecting central and eastern France in particular. Burgundy, which was placed on orange alert for thunderstorms, was hit hard.

Although no casualties were reported, there was some material damage. Images posted on social networks show torrential rain in some areas, such as Fresnes (Côte-d’Or), a village near Montbard.

Large numbers of lightning strikes in Yonne

Similar phenomena were observed around Auxerre and Chablis, in the Yonne region. The streets of Montigny-la-Resle and Villy were transformed into rivers. According to Météo89, “almost 50 mm of rain fell in some places”. In Beine, mudslides and run-off were also reported.

The department of Yonne recorded an impressive number of lightning strikes, with 2,196 according to the Keraunos observatory, putting it at the top of the list of departments most struck by lightning that night, ahead of Aube (1,692), Allier (1,484) and Nièvre (1,428).

Heavy rain also affected Saône-et-Loire and Nièvre, but without causing any significant damage. As a reminder, the four departments of Burgundy remain under yellow alert for thunderstorms until midnight this Sunday.