France Faces Widespread Flooding and Avalanche Alerts Amid Severe February Weather

On February 17, 2026, France is grappling with an extensive severe weather situation, including widespread flooding and avalanche risks impacting numerous departments across the country. Météo France has issued flood vigilance for 92 departments, with three regions—Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, and Maine-et-Loire—under red alert since early February, indicating critical risks. Additionally, 14 departments face orange alerts for both floods and avalanches, while another 70 departments remain on yellow flood vigilance.

Lucie Chadourne-Facon, director of Vigicrues, highlighted that the flooding event currently underway exceeds all previous records due to heavy rainfalls and already saturated soils. The alert began on February 11 for Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne and expanded to Maine-et-Loire by February 16. Alongside the flood threats, 11 departments in mountain regions, including the Pyrénées and the Alpes, are on avalanche alert.

Weather conditions today are varied, with clouds dominating the western half of France, rain in areas like Ain and Cantal, and some sunshine in Alsace and Seine-et-Marne. Wind speeds have reached up to 53 km/h in places, and temperatures vary significantly, from lows near 2°C in Amiens to highs of 20°C at Argelès-Gazost.

In Paris and Île-de-France, the Seine river remains at critical levels, prompting a yellow vigilance alert for storms and flooding, leading to road closures and transport disruptions, including affected metro and RER lines.

The Lot-et-Garonne government has activated support measures for businesses affected by the floods. A partial activity scheme allows employers who cannot maintain normal operations due to the exceptional weather to reduce or suspend work while receiving compensation funded by the state. Employees receive at least 60% of their gross salary, and employers obtain a minimum allowance of 36%. Applications must be submitted within 30 days through the SI-APART online service.

The forecast for the coming days predicts continued rainfall and snow, particularly in northern and alpine regions, prolonging the challenging conditions. This severe weather event remains a critical concern for residents, authorities, and businesses across France, with vigilance levels and emergency measures staying in effect as the situation evolves.