Storm Nils has left parts of western France under water, with flooding in the southwest. The storm brought wind gusts of up to 42 meters per second, worsening a critical situation after weeks of persistent rain. Soil moisture in the region is reportedly at its highest level since records began in 1959, causing rivers like the Garonne, Maine, and Loire to overflow even with small amounts of rain.
3 degrees by the turn of the century. According to a study by the research network ClimaMeter, human climate influence has made storms like Nils up to 10 percent wetter and winds up to 5 percent stronger in affected areas compared to the past. Erik Kjellström, a professor of climatology, reportedly said that in a 3-degree climate, such weather patterns could lead to even heavier rain and floods.
the highest level of flooding in 25 years
France's environment minister Monique Barbut visited the affected Gironde area and declared that the government will invoke a state of emergency to speed up insurance claims. In western France, four departments remained on red alert for flooding, with nine others under orange alert for rain and flooding. Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, and Maine-et-Loire are the worst-affected areas.
Around 1,700 people have been evacuated in Lot-et-Garonne since February 10 due to rising waters. In Angers, authorities warned of historic flooding, with the mayor describing it as the highest level in 25 years. Floodwaters have spread hundreds of meters beyond river banks in some areas.
Météo France forecast further widespread disruption as Storm Pedro brought heavy rainfall, with persistent winds of 100 kilometers per hour or more expected in the southwest, potentially reaching 140 km/h in some areas. France has been under orange or red weather alerts somewhere in the country for 30 consecutive days.