Tempête Nils Ravages Multiple French Regions with Fatalities, Flooding, and Power Outages

Tempête Nils has struck France with severe consequences, including a fatality, widespread flooding, and significant power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of households. The storm, marked by winds exceeding 160 km/h in some areas, initially hit the Landes department, where it caused the death of a truck driver, according to France 24.

In the Gironde department, the storm brought gusts up to 140 km/h. Emergency services responded to 640 incidents involving fallen trees, downed cables, and water leaks, with no major new casualties reported. Still, approximately 110,000 homes remain without electricity, and mobile networks are disrupted for nearly 136,000 customers. Authorities declared a red alert for the Garonne river due to rising floodwaters in La Réole, leading to preventive evacuations. The Libourne area faces heightened flood risks affecting 19 municipalities, with officials like Mathieu Doligez, sub-prefect of Libourne, organizing coordinated responses. Prefect Étienne Guyot praised the emergency teams and urged public vigilance.

In the Dordogne region, the Isle river's floodwaters surged to an expected peak of about 3 meters, prompting the city of Périgueux to activate a crisis center. The entire department remains under an orange alert for flooding until at least the night of February 13. Several streets have been closed, and residents are advised to avoid affected zones and seek temporary shelter if possible.

Further north, Seine-et-Marne is under yellow vigilance for rain, floods, and inundations, with multiple rivers under watch. Authorities recommend avoiding driving through flooded areas and adapting outdoor activities due to heavy rainfall and reduced visibility.

These widespread adverse effects illustrate the extensive disruption caused by Tempête Nils as it advances from the southwest toward southeastern France. Emergency services and local governments continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance and guidance to residents.

According to France 24, winds during the storm sometimes exceeded 160 km/h, contributing to fallen trees and infrastructure damage. Étienne Guyot, Gironde's prefect, remarked on the emergency teams’ dedication, emphasizing the need for caution as dangers persist. With flooding affecting multiple rivers, authorities have issued evacuation orders in vulnerable areas and urged the public to stay informed through official channels.