Severe flooding swept across parts of southwest France in mid-February 2026 after Storm Nils brought record rainfall and powerful winds to the region, prompting widespread flood alerts and emergency responses.
French authorities placed multiple departments on high alert as rivers burst their banks and low-lying areas were submerged. Emergency services carried out evacuations in several towns, with hundreds of homes affected by rising water levels. Officials described the rainfall as breaking seasonal records in some areas, intensifying pressure on already saturated ground.
Local authorities confirmed that storm-related incidents across France and neighbouring countries resulted in casualties, while infrastructure disruptions included road closures, power outages and suspended rail services. Rescue teams remained deployed in affected zones as weather conditions gradually stabilised.
Meteorologists warned that climate patterns are increasing the frequency of extreme weather events in Europe, with sudden and intense rainfall episodes becoming more common. Cleanup operations are ongoing as residents assess damage to property and farmland.
