Widespread Severe Weather Hits France with Major Flooding and Snow Alerts on February 15, 2026

France is grappling with severe weather on February 15, 2026, as 89 departments across the country are placed under weather alerts ranging from yellow to red, indicating critical conditions impacting various regions. In Gironde, the situation is particularly severe with a red vigilance issued due to significant flooding risks along the Garonne River near La Réole. The river’s overflows are expected to peak early Sunday morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Concurrently, the Dordogne and Isle rivers are on orange alert, with peak flooding anticipated at later times.

The flooding in Gironde has led to serious disruptions: 78,000 people are without mobile phone service and 36,000 households remain without electricity, although power outages have improved from 55,000 the night before. Emergency services have responded with a rapid intervention team of 250 people from ENEDIS working to restore power. Road infrastructure has suffered considerably, with 67 departmental roads closed and multiple bridges, including those in Langoiran and Cadillac, shut to all traffic. Local mayors have activated emergency plans, assisting numerous residents who have evacuated voluntarily. Prefect Étienne Guyot has called for heightened public vigilance, urging people to avoid flooded areas and stay informed through official channels. Additionally, he has mobilized armed forces to support population protection for an initial 48-hour period.

Elsewhere, the Yvelines department is under an orange alert for snow and ice from 8 AM until 2 PM. Snowfall is forecast to start at 6 AM with accumulations between 1 to 3 cm, locally reaching up to 5 cm. Midday is expected to bring a transition from snow to rain, potentially causing freezing rain that will create hazardous driving conditions. In response, a speed limit reduction of 20 km/h for all vehicles is in force, and heavy vehicles face overtaking bans during the alert to safeguard traffic and facilitate snow removal operations.

National weather monitoring agency Météo-France has underscored that 89 departments remain on alert due to exceptional meteorological phenomena affecting nearly the entire country excluding a few areas such as Corsica and parts of the southeast. Residents in all affected regions are advised to comply with safety guidelines and remain vigilant while these adverse conditions persist.