Southwestern France is grappling with the catastrophic effects of Storm Nils and intense snowfall. In the Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne departments, the Garonne River has surpassed historic levels from 2021, reaching nearly 10 meters. Rescue services have evacuated hundreds of residents, and tens of thousands of households remain without electricity. Simultaneously, snowstorms are paralyzing the north of the country, forcing restrictions on air and rail traffic.

Record Flooding of the Garonne

The river reached a level of 9.88 m in La Réole, which is higher than the catastrophic floods from five years ago.

Massive Power Outages

Nearly 45 thousand homes are cut off from electricity, and 90 routes in Gironde remain impassable for vehicles.

Air Transport Paralysis

Up to 30% of flights have been canceled at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports due to snowfall and runway icing.

The hydrological situation in France remains critical, entering a state that Vigicrues describes as "generalized flooding." The most severe conditions are in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, where the Garonne River near the town of La Réole reached a level of 9.88 meters. This is higher than the record floods of 2021. Many towns, such as Couthures-sur-Garonne and Jusix, have been completely cut off, with communication possible only by boat. More than a thousand firefighters and gendarmes are involved in rescue operations. Despite temporary stabilization of water levels in some river basins, meteorological forecasts are not optimistic. An approaching new weather front could bring rainfall of 30-50 mm, threatening renewed flooding of already saturated soils. Meanwhile, in the north of the country, including Paris, intense snowfall and ice have become a problem. The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has recommended a 30% reduction in flights at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport and 20% at Orly airport. Paralysis has also affected SNCF rail connections towards Occitanie. Historically, the Garonne River was responsible for one of the most devastating floods in March 1930, when over 700 people died, and water levels in some places were several meters higher than current records.Water level in the Garonne (town of La Réole): 2021-02-01: 9.83, 2026-02-15T06:00: 9.86, 2026-02-15T12:00: 9.88 Infrastructure problems affect 45,000 customers who still had no access to electricity on Sunday evening, although this number is gradually decreasing thanks to the work of energy services. In the town of Aiguillon, a flood embankment was breached, forcing the immediate evacuation of eight people. Climate experts emphasize that such intense and frequent extreme events are a direct result of atmospheric warming, which can retain more moisture. „The sector most affected by flooding is the Gironde Garonne. We have exceeded the levels from 2021.” — Étienne Guyot45 000 — households remain without power Timeline of the Weather Crisis in France: February 11 — Impact of Storm Nils; February 14 — Breach of Embankments; February 15, 08:00 — Paralysis of Paris Airports; February 15, 12:00 — Peak of the Flood Wave in La Réole; February 16 — Alert MaintainedMedia emphasize the link between floods and global warming and the need for immediate energy transition in Europe. | Commentators focus on the inadequacy of local embankments and the need to strengthen traditional hydrotechnical protection in agricultural regions.

Mentioned People

  • Étienne Guyot — Prefect of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, overseeing the operations of the crisis unit in Gironde.
  • Jean-Marie Coulomb — Operational deputy at the Vigicrues service, warning of a returning flood wave.