Storm Nils Brings Severe Weather Warnings and Avalanche Risks Across France

Storm Nils is impacting multiple French regions with severe weather warnings ranging from heavy rain and violent winds on the Atlantic coast to extreme avalanche risks in mountainous areas of Savoie and Isère.

In La Rochelle, the Charente-Maritime department is under an orange alert for strong winds reaching up to 110 km/h and heavy rainfall. Since September, the area has already experienced 645 mm of rain—close to typical end-of-winter totals—with forecasts predicting an additional 100 mm in the coming two weeks. Emergency personnel are actively monitoring water levels in rivers and marshes, have installed drainage systems, and are preparing for potential flooding. Residents have been urged to properly manage rainwater and take safety precautions such as securing waste bins and avoiding parking under trees.

Meanwhile, the Savoie and Isère departments have been severely affected by snowfall linked to Storm Nils, leading Météo France to issue high-level avalanche warnings. In Savoie, four mountain ranges including Haute Tarentaise are on orange alert since February 11, escalating to red in some areas by February 12, especially around Tignes, Val d’Isère, and Villaroger. Avalanche risk is rated at the highest level (5/5), with large and spontaneous avalanches likely. Local authorities have prepared avalanche triggering plans and possible road access restrictions to ensure safety.

Similarly, Isère is under an orange alert for avalanches through February 12. Snow accumulation is expected to reach up to one meter above 2,000 meters elevation with an avalanche risk level of 4/5, rising to 5/5 in the Oisans sector. Safety advice includes limiting mountain travel, using avalanche safety equipment, and avoiding off-piste skiing.

In the Sarthe department, a yellow vigilance alert remains in effect for residual risks of strong winds, thunderstorms, and flooding as authorities continue monitoring the storm's evolution.

Overall, Storm Nils poses substantial risks to various regions across France, prompting coordinated responses from emergency services and authorities to safeguard residents. Public officials stress adherence to warnings and safety recommendations amid the ongoing storm conditions.