France Extends Flood Alerts as Heavy Rains Threaten Southwest Regions

France’s national weather authority, Météo-France, has extended flood warnings through Tuesday, with the southwestern departments of Gironde and Haute-Garonne remaining under the highest red alert level amid fears of renewed flooding.

According to France 24, the decision follows a weekend marked by significant flooding across parts of the country. 

Authorities warn that additional rainfall forecast for Monday, particularly across the Pyrenees, could trigger a fresh rise in water levels.

The government’s flood monitoring agency, Vigicrues, cautioned that the current drop in river levels is only temporary. 

The situation along the Garonne River in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region remains under close observation, with officials warning of potentially destructive flooding.

An orange alert for heavy rain and flooding has been issued in four departments, while Gironde and neighboring Lot-et-Garonne remain under red alert for flood risks. 

In total, 14 departments across southern and western France are currently under orange-level warnings.

Four departments, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and Hautes-Pyrénées, are also under orange alert throughout Monday due to heavy rainfall and flood threats.

Meanwhile, orange-level avalanche warnings in the Pyrenees are expected to be lifted later Monday afternoon. However, alerts will remain in place until 10 a.m. 

Tuesday in the eastern departments of Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Isère, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Vigicrues, the French government body responsible for monitoring river levels and issuing flood warnings, continues to assess risks and adjust forecasts. 

The agency plays a central role in activating early warning systems, facilitating road closures, and coordinating measures aimed at protecting residents in vulnerable areas.