Hérault Department Under Red Flood Alert Amid Severe Weather on December 23, 2025

As of December 23, 2025, the Hérault department in southern France remains under a red alert for exceptional flooding conditions, according to reports from Météo-France. While the orange alert for rain-flooding has been lifted across all departments including Hérault, the region continues to face significant flood threats due to heavy rainfall and saturated ground.

The flooding crisis in Hérault escalated notably around December 21, with critical overflow observed around 8 PM, particularly in the town of Agde, reaching levels not seen since November 1994. Montpellier has also suffered from intense rain accumulation between 100 to 130 mm, which resulted in severe flooding, road closures, and the suspension of tram services.

Emergency services have been actively engaged, responding to over 1,000 calls and conducting 61 operations including 36 rescues. The impact on infrastructure includes nearly 1,000 households experiencing power outages, predominantly in Montpellier, with utility company Enedis mobilizing around 40 technicians to restore electricity.

The weather alert extends beyond Hérault, with 25 departments across France facing weather vigilance including 15 under flood alert. Departments such as Tarn, Aveyron, and Lozère are all on orange flood alerts, while additional alerts include avalanche warnings in the Pyrenees, Southern Alps, and Savoie regions. Weather conditions on December 23 feature widespread cloud cover over much of France, with heavy rain concentrated in the Gulf of Lion and the extreme southwest.

Temperatures vary from a low of 0°C in Amiens to a high of 16°C in Digne-les-Bains, with cooler conditions expected in the evening. The situation continues to be monitored closely as emergency services and officials respond to ongoing challenges posed by the severe weather and flooding.

The severity of the flooding in Hérault, combined with the extensive emergency response and continued adverse weather forecasts, highlights the critical situation facing residents and authorities in the region.