Garonne River remains on red flood alert as heavy rain sweeps across France

Sunday 15 February 2026 - 07:30

By: Sahili Aya

Garonne River remains on red flood alert as heavy rain sweeps across France

The Garonne River remains under red flood alert in the departments of Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne, as authorities warn of continued high water levels and the risk of further overflows. The alert, maintained through at least Monday, comes amid what officials describe as a widespread flooding episode affecting several regions across France.

According to Vigicrues, a new weather disturbance is moving in from Brittany, bringing additional rainfall to large parts of the country. Rivers already under orange or red alert could see significant or major flooding within the next 24 hours, particularly in areas where soils are saturated.

Nine departments remain under orange flood alert: Eure-et-Loir, Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Indre-et-Loire, Charente-Maritime, Charente, Dordogne and Tarn-et-Garonne. Meanwhile, Haute-Garonne, Ariège and Morbihan have been downgraded to yellow alert as water levels begin to stabilize.

In Gironde, around 80 residents were evacuated on Saturday as a precautionary measure. Upstream, in Lot-et-Garonne, authorities reported nearly 600 preventive evacuations, bringing the total number of displaced residents in the department to approximately 1,500. In Maine-et-Loire, local officials indicated that between 850 and 900 people have been affected by rising waters.

The severe weather situation extends beyond flooding. Météo-France has issued an orange alert for snow and ice in about fifteen northern departments, including the Paris region and Hauts-de-France, until Sunday evening. An orange avalanche warning also remains in effect in the Pyrenees through Monday.

Snowfall in the Île-de-France region has prompted airlines to reduce flight schedules at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. Road authorities have temporarily lowered speed limits by 20 km/h across the Paris region during peak hours due to icy conditions. Weather forecasts indicate snowfall accumulations of one to three centimeters in the capital area and up to six centimeters in northern France.

As emergency services remain mobilized, authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to exercise caution and follow official safety instructions.