9 August 2019 remains etched in the collective memory of Luxembourg as the day a powerful tornado struck with unprecedented force.
The storm, which made landfall in the late afternoon, initially hit France near Longwy before traveling roughly 20 kilometers into Luxembourg, affecting the municipalities of Rodange, Lamadelaine, Pétange, and Bascharage.
The tornado, which was rated F1 in France, intensified to F2 intensity as it crossed into Luxembourg. With wind speeds ranging from 180 to 250 km/h, it created a broad swath of destruction up to 750 meters wide in some areas.
In just 15 minutes, the tornado wrought unprecedented damage. Roofs were torn off, tiles were thrown about, facades were gutted, cars were battered, and electricity pylons were twisted. In Bascharage alone, approximately 400 trees and 310 homes were damaged, with fifty homes losing their roofs. Debris was also embedded into some residences.
The tornado's path weakened as it moved between Schouweiler and Dippach, causing only minor damage to vegetation in its final stages. The total damage is estimated to exceed 100 million euros.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although 19 people were injured. The response from emergency services was swift, involving local police, firefighters, and the Luxembourg Army. Paul Schroeder, Director of the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), reported that French emergency services provided critical support throughout the night.
Cleanup operations began the day after the storm and continued for several weeks. According to Meteolux, the tornado was classified as F2 by the European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL). The storm’s impact serves as a stark reminder of the power of natural forces and the resilience of affected communities.
As the fifth anniversary approaches, the vivid memories of the tornado continue to resonate, highlighting both the severity of the event and the strength of the human spirit in the face of such adversity.
It was not Luxembourg's only tornado. In 1990, a tornado ravaged Schlindermanderscheid in the north of Luxembourg. While it did not claim any victims, the tornado damaged a number of farms and houses. It also knocked over pylons and uprooted around 100 trees.
In 1999, another tornado hit Wiltz, wrecking several houses, blowing off roofs and wreaking havoc at a local camp site. Material damage was considerable but nobody was injured.
Read more about Luxembourg's worst natural disasters right here.
