France Grapples with Extensive Flooding ⁣and Severe Weather Alerts

France is currently facing a challenging weather situation, with widespread flooding impacting several ⁣regions and numerous‍ departments under orange and red alerts for both flooding and snow. The situation is evolving rapidly,⁣ prompting evacuations⁣ and travel disruptions across the country. This article provides the latest updates as of February 15, 2026.

Widespread Flooding Across France

Significant ‍flooding is affecting ⁢multiple regions of France, notably along the Garonne⁤ River. Vigicrues, the French flood forecasting service, has issued a red alert for the Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne departments, anticipating further rises in water levels due to continued rainfall.A “generalized flood” situation is underway, with considerable and major overflows expected in the next 24 hours.

According to Vigicrues, a new weather disturbance is moving across ‍the country, starting in Brittany, and will⁢ bring rain to a large portion of France. Nine departments remain on orange alert for‍ flooding: Eure-et-Loire,Ille-et-Vilaine,Loire-Atlantique,maine-et-Loire,Indre-et-Loire,Charente-maritime,Charente,Dordogne,and Tarn-et-Garonne. The Haute-Garonne, Ariège, and Morbihan ⁣departments have⁤ been downgraded to yellow alert as of Sunday morning.

Evacuations and Impacted Areas

Authorities reported⁢ approximately 80 people were evacuated⁣ in the Gironde department on Saturday. Upstream along the Garonne in Lot-et-Garonne, preventative evacuations impacted⁤ 590 people, bringing‍ the total number of evacuees in‍ that department ⁤to 1,500 as reported by local authorities. In Maine-et-Loire, around 850 to 900⁣ people are affected, according to the mayor⁤ of Saint-Jean-de-la Croix .

Snow and Avalanche ⁤Warnings

Along with the flooding, France is ⁣also bracing for significant snowfall and avalanche ‍risks. A snow-ice orange alert is in effect until Sunday evening for approximately ⁤fifteen departments in the northern half of the⁣ country, ⁤including the Paris region and⁣ Hauts-de-France. An orange avalanche warning remains in place for‍ the pyrenees Mountains until Monday.

travel Disruptions

the arrival of snowfall in the Île-de-France region has prompted airlines to reduce their flight schedules at Paris-Charles de‍ Gaulle and ⁤Orly ⁢airports by 30% and⁢ 20% respectively . Bus⁢ services may also experience disruptions depending‍ on road conditions. The Prefecture of Police has issued a snow-ice order, reducing speed limits by ‍20 km/h on roads in the Île-de-France region ⁢from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM⁣ on Sunday.

Météo-France forecasts 1 to 3 centimeters of snowfall in the Paris region and 3 to 6⁣ centimeters‍ in Hauts-de-France.

Looking Ahead

The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are closely monitoring the weather conditions. Residents in⁤ affected areas are urged to follow the instructions of local officials and exercise caution. Continued rainfall ⁢and snowfall are expected, meaning the risk of flooding and ‍travel disruptions will persist in the coming days. ‍ ⁤Stay informed thru official sources like Vigicrues and Météo-France⁤ for the latest updates.