Severe Flood Warnings and Storm Nils Pose Risks Across France

On February 10, 2026, French authorities issued urgent weather warnings as persistent heavy rains and a powerful storm threaten multiple regions. The weather service Météo-France placed twelve departments, predominantly in the west and southwest, under orange flood vigilance due to ongoing rain starting late Monday night. Departments affected include Morbihan, Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Cantal, Haute-Garonne, and Ariège. Vigicrues forecasts significant river overflows, especially along the Blavet, Sèvre Nantaise, Lay, Arize-Lèze, Seugne, Charente, and Vézère rivers, with flooding already localized in many areas. These conditions could lead to travel difficulties and power outages.

The city of Niort is proactively preparing for potential Sèvre River flooding, anticipating river flows reaching 120 cubic meters per second with overflows at 125 m3/s. Preventive measures include closures of several streets and parking areas, deployment of barriers and signage, and urging residents to avoid parking near waterways to minimize risks.

Meanwhile, storm Nils, energized by a powerful jet stream and forming over the Atlantic, is predicted to sweep across southern France between Wednesday and Thursday. Wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h are expected along the Aquitaine coast, with waves reaching up to 9 meters offshore. Inland, wind speeds of 100-110 km/h south of the Garonne will intensify by Thursday morning with tramontane gusts potentially surpassing 150 km/h in regions including the Cévennes, southern Languedoc, and Roussillon. Travel disruptions are anticipated, especially for trains and flights, due to risks of fallen trees and strong winds. An orange alert for the storm has been issued, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

The combination of sustained heavy rains leading to flooding and the arrival of storm Nils poses a serious challenge for several French regions. Residents are advised to stay informed through official alerts and adhere to safety recommendations to mitigate risks from both flooding and powerful storm winds.