Southern france Braces for Continued Flooding as Orange Alerts Remain in Place
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Météo France is maintaining orange vigilance for several departments in southern France as persistent rainfall and snow continue to batter the region following a turbulent week of weather. The Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude are particularly affected, with rivers nearing capacity and concerns mounting over potential overflows and landslides.
Persistent Rainfall Fuels Flood Concerns
Following a significant Mediterranean weather system earlier in the week, a “cold drop” is unleashing further heavy precipitation across southeastern France. Météo France has maintained an orange rain-flood alert for the Pyrénées-Orientales throughout Saturday, with the Berre and Orbieu rivers posing an immediate threat. The Agly and Réart rivers are also under close surveillance. In aude, the Berre river remains under orange vigilance, while other waterways are at yellow alert.
Significant rainfall totals have already been recorded. On Friday evening, Météo France reported 164 mm at the Peak of neoulos (Albères), 138 mm in Mosset (Conflent), and 120 mm in the Alberas/Vallespire to the Fenouillèdes. Precipitation is expected to continue through Saturday evening, with intensities of 5 to 10 mm per hour, occasionally reaching 15 mm/h. The hardest-hit areas include Conflent, Vallespir, south of Corbières, and Fenouillèdes.
snowfall Adds to Challenges in the Mountains
The adverse weather isn’t limited to rain. Heavy snowfall is continuing on the Canigou Massif above 1700m, creating hazardous conditions for mountain travel. Traffic is challenging in areas including the Col de la Llose, col de Creu, Upper cerdanya, and Top Conflent, though conditions are normal on the RD66 in lower Cerdagne and Conflent.
Accumulated rainfall between Friday evening and the end of the episode is forecast to be between 50 to 80 mm, locally reaching 100 to 120 mm in higher elevations. Over the entire period from Thursday afternoon to Saturday evening, accumulations are expected to be 120 to 150 mm, with isolated areas perhaps receiving 180 to 220 mm. .
aude Faces Potential Vigilance Upgrade
Météo france has not ruled out the possibility of escalating the rain-flood vigilance in Aude to orange level.”The rain continues until Saturday midday,” a senior official stated. “The accumulations of rain could become significant, particularly in the Corbières sector with 80 to 100 mm, locally up to 130 mm over the entire episode. Depending on the evolution of the forecasts, a worsening of the vigilance towards an orange level could be considered.”
Local Impacts and Safety Precautions
As of Saturday morning, the RD37, previously closed due to flooding, has been reopened. However, the RD105 roads between Bages and Peyriac-de-Mer and RD32 near Mandirac remain closed. Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly avoiding travel on flooded roads and staying away from rivers.
The prefecture of Aude has expressed gratitude to all services and partners mobilized over the past 48 hours and reported no casualties or damage thus far. Though,they emphasize that conditions remain degraded and vigilance is crucial.
in the Corbières region, residents are closely monitoring the Berre river, with a mix of apprehension and hope, given the area’s history of devastating floods and recent wildfires. One resident noted that the rains are “greeted with fear but as a blessing,” acknowledging the potential for relief while remaining wary of the risks.
The situation remains fluid, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through updates from Météo France and local authorities. A day of bad weather is expected to continue, with ongoing coverage available on lindependant.fr.
