Storm Benjamin Causes Widespread Disruptions Across France with Gusts up to 170 km/h
Storm Benjamin lashes France with record winds and heavy rains causing floods, transport disruptions, and multiple weather alerts across nineteen departments.
- • Storm Benjamin produced wind gusts up to 170 km/h, especially severe in Corsica and northern coastal areas.
- • Nineteen departments under orange alert for violent winds, flooding, and marine submersions.
- • Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Cherbourg and raised flood risks in the Alps and Massif Central.
- • Transport disruptions include widespread suspension of TER services and closure of parks in Paris due to safety concerns.
Key details
Storm Benjamin swept across nearly all of France on October 23, 2025, bringing intense winds, heavy rain, flooding, and significant disruptions. The storm, described as an unusual autumn event, generated gusts reaching up to 170 km/h in Corsica and 161 km/h in Fécamp, northern France. Coastal regions along the Atlantic and Manche faced particularly severe conditions, with waves intensified by high tide coefficients, increasing risks of marine submersions.
Nineteen departments, including Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Vendée, Corrèze, and Cantal, were placed under orange weather alerts for risks ranging from violent winds to flooding. Heavy rainfall, expected to equal up to three weeks of precipitation, heightened flood risks especially in the western foothills of the Massif Central and the Alps. In Cherbourg, parts of the city experienced street flooding with water levels rising up to 70 cm, prompting active interventions by firefighters.
Transport was severely affected, with the SNCF suspending numerous TER services, notably in Normandy and Brittany, while TGV routes between La Rochelle and Paris were canceled. In Paris and Île-de-France, classified under yellow warning, gusts up to 100 km/h led authorities to close all parks, gardens, and cemeteries for safety, and caused major disruptions on Transilien and RER lines. Residents were advised to limit travel and secure outdoor objects.
Meteorologists forecast that winds would strengthen throughout the day, extending from the southwest coasts inland, with speeds of up to 150-160 km/h in Corsica expected overnight. The storm's trajectory and intensity, following an extended calm period, remain closely monitored.
This widespread storm highlights the vulnerability of France’s infrastructure and communities during extreme weather events and underscores the importance of preparedness and timely alerts.