Fierce tornado in Poland destroys homes, rips roofs off buildings
Tornado damages homes in Poland (photo: Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej - IMGW PIB)
A tornado swept through the Balcarzowice area in Opole Voivodeship, Poland, causing significant damage to buildings and trees, reports RMF24.
According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, as cited by the outlet, the nature of the damage — including torn-off roofs, damaged buildings, and a narrow, track-like path of destruction — indicates that a tornado occurred.
Its strength has been preliminarily estimated at between IF1.5 and IF2 on the international Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity.
In simple terms, it was a fairly strong twister, with winds estimated at 180–250 km/h, strong enough to rip off roofs and uproot trees.
Tornado aftermath in Poland on May 31 (photo: Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej - IMGW PIB)
Tornado aftermath in Poland on May 31 (photo: Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej - IMGW PIB)
Tornado aftermath in Poland on May 31 (photo: Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej - IMGW PIB)
According to the fire service, 18 buildings were damaged in the Balcarzowice area, including 11 residential homes. No injuries were reported.
Notably, Ukraine also faced severe weather this spring. In late May, the country experienced heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, affecting several regions, with trees reported down in some areas.
This was followed by a drop in temperatures accompanied by storm-force winds. Meteorologists warn that in summer 2026, thunderstorm activity is expected to become more frequent.
