Storm Nils Hits France
A storm named Nils is currently sweeping through France, causing extremely violent winds, flooding, avalanches in the mountains, and major disruptions in several regions of the country. The meteorological episode, deemed exceptional by Météo-France, intensified on Thursday, February 12, with gusts measured at over 160 km/h in the southwest and a situation that remains fragile for millions of inhabitants.
First Assessment of the Storm's Impact
On Thursday morning, a preliminary report stated that one person had died in the Landes region, a truck driver who was killed after a branch fell on his road due to the strong gusts. Additionally, around 850,000 households were without electricity, particularly in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie, due to damage caused by the winds and fallen trees on the power grid.
Weather Services Activate Red Alerts
The meteorological services activated several red alerts on Thursday for the most dangerous phenomena. The Aude department was placed on maximum alert for strong winds, with gusts expected to reach up to 150 km/h, while other departments were at increased risk of flooding, heavy rainfall, or avalanches in mountainous areas.
A Rare Meteorological Episode Affects the Entire Country
Storm Nils is of Atlantic origin and is crossing France from the western coast to the Gulf of Lion and then the Mediterranean. As early as Wednesday evening, departments in the southwest, the Massif Central, and Corsica had been placed on orange alert for strong winds and sustained rainfall, with already saturated soils after several days of precipitation.
Strong Winds and Flooding
According to Météo-France, gusts of 120 to 140 km/h were recorded on the Atlantic coast, while higher peaks were recorded inland. During the night, weather reports showed 162 km/h in Biscarrosse, 145 km/h in Pau, 136 km/h in Mont-de-Marsan, and over 120 km/h in several cities in the southwest. In addition to the winds, there were risks of coastal flooding on the Atlantic coast and potential flooding due to rising river levels, particularly on the Garonne.
Authorities Call for Caution
In the face of this episode, the authorities called for maximum caution, advising populations to limit travel, secure the surroundings of their homes, and follow weather bulletins in real-time. Emergency services and electricity operators are fully mobilized to respond to the emergency and restore damaged infrastructure.
Read also: Deadly avalanches in Italy and devastating storms in Spain and Portugal
