Storm Nils Brings Prolonged Rainfall and Flood Risk to Center-Val de Loire Region
The Center-Val de Loire region of France is grappling with persistent wet weather, as storm Nils continues to deliver significant rainfall and elevate the risk of flooding. For several days, the area has been impacted by successive weather fronts, resulting in substantial accumulations of precipitation across much of the region. Despite a drier-than-usual January, soil saturation is currently high, exacerbating concerns about potential overflows.
Current Situation and Ongoing Monitoring
Local volunteers are diligently tracking the evolving weather situation, with the latest update provided on February 12th at 9:15 a.m. Residents are encouraged to utilize available flood webcams to monitor water levels in local rivers and streams.
Storm Nils: Peak Wind Gusts Recorded
Storm Nils brought powerful gusts of wind to the region. According to data collected from weather stations, the highest recorded gusts include:
- Orléans – Bricy (45): 93 km/h
- Châteauroux – Déols (36) and Préveranges (18): 91 km/h
- Avord (18): 86 km/h
- CNTS – Deols (36): 85.3 km/h
- Montgivray (36): 85 km/h
- Blois – The Breuil (41): 84 km/h
- Chateedaudun (28): 82 km/h
- Tours – Pacay-Maslay (37): 78 km/h
- Chartres – Champhol (28): 75 km/h
- Bourges (18): 73 km/h
- Rosnay (36): 70 km/h
Rainfall Totals Since February 1st
Rainfall has varied across the region, with some areas experiencing significantly higher accumulations than others. Here’s a breakdown by department:
Cher (18): Northern areas of the Cher have seen particularly high rainfall totals, including Argent-sur-Sauldre (87.8 mm), Neuvy-sur-Barangeon (77.6 mm), and Blancafort (76.0 mm). Bourges recorded 50.8 mm, while Avord saw 45.6 mm, an 11% decrease from typical levels, and Culan received 43.4 mm.
Eure-et-Loir (28): Accumulations in Eure-et-Loir are well above normal, with Le Mesnil-Thomas leading at 85.9 mm. Dampierre-sous-Brou recorded 58.8 mm, Saint-Luperce 52.4 mm, and Châteaudun 50.5 mm – a 22% increase. Chartres – Champhol also experienced a 16% increase, totaling 48.2 mm.
Indre (36): Rainfall was more heterogeneous in Indre, with Burning – Virolon receiving 78.7 mm and Valençay 71.6 mm. Châteauroux – Déols recorded 41.6 mm, a 10% decrease.
Indre-et-Loire (37): Notable accumulations were observed in Indre-et-Loire, including 75.8 mm at the Royal Castle of Amboise and 54.2 mm in Tours, a 3% increase.
Loir-et-Cher (41): Heavy rainfall was localized in Loir-et-Cher, with Orçay (79.4 mm) and Sleepers (78.2 mm) receiving the highest amounts. Blois — Le Breuil recorded 49.4 mm, a 6% increase, while Romorantin – Plum trees saw a 3% decrease with 45.5 mm.
Loiret (45): The Loiret experienced heavy, localized rainfall, with Marcilly-en-Villette receiving 60.7 mm and Orléans – INRAE 53 mm. Orléans – Bricy recorded 38.9 mm, a 13% decrease.
February Precipitation Benchmarks
Comparing current rainfall to historical averages, the following cumulative precipitation totals are expected for February, based on 1991-2020 normals:
- Adverb: 51.3 mm
- Blois: 46.4 mm
- Bourges: 51.0 mm
- Chartres: 41.5 mm
- Chateaudun: 41.3 mm
- Chateauroux: 46.5 mm
- Orléans: 44.9 mm
- Romorantin-Lanthenay: 47.1 mm
- Tours: 52.4 mm
River Levels and Flood Alerts
As of 10:15 p.m. on February 11th, several rivers in the region are at yellow alert level. Residents are advised to stay informed and monitor conditions via the vigicrues.gouv.fr website. Specifically, levels are being monitored on the Eure at Saint-Luperce (28) and the Loire at Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire (37).
The situation remains fluid, and ongoing monitoring is crucial as the region continues to experience the effects of storm Nils and elevated rainfall.
