The third stage of the Vuelta a España cycle race, which was taking place in the Aude area of south-western France, had to be cancelled when a hail storm forced the riders to take shelter about 15km from the finish line.

The extreme weather has left about 2,800 homes across 10 villages without electricity, according to officials.

Local sub-prefect Emmanuelle Plantier-Lemarchand told French radio that she was not aware of anyone missing. She lowered the number of victims from 41 to 39, and said 15 of them had been treated in hospital.

“I heard this massive noise… then I saw everything flying around in the air and my roof collapsed over my head,” shocked resident Chantal told French radio. “I’ve got no house left, that’s for sure… I was really scared. I thought that’s it, this my final hour.”