Storm Pedro Brings Severe Winds, Heavy Rain, and Flood Risks Across France

Storm Pedro is set to cross France between Wednesday and Thursday, bringing significant meteorological impacts including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and temporary snowfall in northern regions. According to La Chaîne Météo, Pedro will strengthen winds up to 120 km/h with gusts possibly reaching 140 km/h on coastal areas, notably Brittany and the Roussillon. Heavy rainfalls are expected, particularly 15 to 30 mm in Brittany on Wednesday and up to 50 mm in the Southwest on Thursday, escalating flood risks in departments already under alert due to ongoing high water levels.

The storm's path will also create hazardous conditions on the Atlantic coast with high tides increasing the risk of coastal submersion, especially in Aquitaine. Mountainous areas face continued snowfall, raising avalanche warnings. The initial disturbance will hit northern France on Wednesday morning, bringing a few centimeters of snow mainly in Seine-Maritime and the Vosges.

Meanwhile, climate experts provide context on the intensifying impacts of such storms. Climatologist Françoise Vimeux noted that current data do not link climate change directly to more frequent or stronger winter storms in France. However, she emphasized that storms now produce heavier rainfall due to a warmer atmosphere holding more moisture. Christophe Cassou added that "atmospheric rivers"—warm, humid air streams from the Caribbean—are enhanced by climate change, increasing precipitation amounts. Urban flooding is further aggravated by impermeable surfaces and poor drainage, while peri-urban areas face pressures from runoff and rising groundwater.

Projections indicate a temperature increase of up to 4°C by 2100, which could boost intense rainfall events by 15% on average in France, and up to 20% in the north, worsening flood hazards.

As of Tuesday evening, nearly 20,000 households remained without electricity amid ongoing flood and storm disruptions. Authorities urge vigilance given the saturated soils and vulnerable infrastructure. The combined effects of persistent heavy precipitation, strong winds, and high tides necessitate heightened alert and precautionary measures across affected regions.Severe weather conditions are expected to persist through Thursday as Pedro moves southeast towards Italy, with continued monitoring critical to managing flood and wind damages.