Severe Rainfall and Storm Alerts Impact Aude and Finistère, France

The Aude and Finistère departments in France are grappling with severe weather conditions as of January 20, 2026, marked by heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. Aude has endured over two months' worth of rain within a 48-hour span, prompting an orange alert for flood risks that continues. This intense rainfall has resulted in 450 households losing electricity and closure of 60 roads due to flooding. Since the onset of the heavy rain, firefighters have carried out 113 interventions. The weather has also caused accidents, including a three-person injury incident on the A61 highway, and a man hospitalized in critical condition after falling from his roof. Schools in 109 municipalities of the Narbonne district remain closed, with all related transport suspended to ensure safety.

Simultaneously, Finistère is under a yellow vigilance level for rain, flooding, violent winds, and sea submersion, expected to escalate to orange vigilance for flooding on January 21. Wind gusts reaching up to 95 km/h and significant rainfall of 30 mm on January 20 and 25 mm on January 21 are forecasted. Authorities have imposed a speed limit of 70 km/h on the Pont de l'Iroise and advise residents to avoid flooded roads, secure belongings, and limit travel owing to the risk of sea overflow during high tides. Prefect Louis Le Franc emphasized caution, urging residents to stay informed through official forecasts.

While Aude is beginning to see a gradual decrease in flood risks, both regions remain on high alert with precautionary measures in place to manage ongoing hazards from this major weather disturbance.