Storm Pedro Brings Flooding to France as Spain Braces for Its 11th Major Storm in Six Weeks
Western Europe continues to endure a relentless series of major storms, with Storm Pedro now unleashing violent winds and widespread flooding across France, prompting evacuations and school closures. The adverse weather is set to move south, positioning Spain to face its 11th named storm in just over a month, exacerbating an already tumultuous season.
France Grapples with Severe Flooding and Evacuations
In France, departments including Maine-et-Loire, Charente-Maritime, Gironde, and Lot-et-Garonne were placed on red alert for flooding on Wednesday due to heavy rainfall. Maine-et-Loire ordered the evacuation of approximately 900 residents, although many defied the order and remained in their homes. Tragically, a man in his fifties went missing late Tuesday while attempting to kayak across the swollen Loire River.
Prefect François Pesneau informed BFMTV that there is "very little chance of finding this person" due to powerful currents, as search efforts resumed this morning. The gendarmerie reported rescuing two other individuals after their boats capsized around 11 pm last night. The Charente river has burst its banks, causing significant flooding in areas like Saintes.
Authorities anticipate the worst of the rainfall, with water levels expected to reach nearly 6.5 metres in Cheffes-sur-Sarthe, Maine-et-Loire, overnight into Thursday. So far, 18 roads have been closed in preparation. Lucie Chadourne-Facon, director of flood monitoring service Vigicrues, told Le Monde, "We have exceptional and widespread flooding across the entire region, which will continue for some time. It's going to be a very difficult week. The situation remains very problematic." She noted that heavy rainfall is rapidly replenishing burst waterways, with no signs of the floods receding.
Power Outages and Worsening Conditions
Powerful gusts of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) are still forecast for the Roussillon region in southeast France, while Brittany and Paris expect "remarkable" rainfall levels, potentially reaching 50mm in some parts. Bruno Marty, mayor of La Réole in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, expressed concern on BFMTV, stating, "We thought there would be a respite... but today we have a rebound. We have no idea how long this could last. (...) We might have some hope on Sunday of a real drop in water levels."
Mathieu Lefevre, the minister for ecological transition, reported that 20,000 people were without power on Wednesday morning, highlighting the storm's disruptive impact on infrastructure.
Spain Prepares for Pedro, the 11th Storm in Six Weeks
As Storm Pedro moves south, Spain is bracing for strong winds and snowfall, with the state meteorological agency AEMET issuing warnings. Pedro is set to become the 11th named storm to strike the country in just six weeks, and the 16th of the season, nearing the historical record. AEMET warned of "very strong winds and rough seas" today and tomorrow.
Orange warnings for significant danger are in effect along the northern coastline, from Rias Baixas in the west to the Basque Country near France. Northeastern Spain, particularly Tarragona, is expected to bear the brunt of gusts up to 110 km/h (68 mph), while Barcelona may see maximum wind speeds of 70 km/h (44 mph). Andalusia also faces orange alerts for high risks of strong winds and rough seas.
Mountainous regions are likely to experience snowfall at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,500 metres, though Pedro could lower this to 700 metres. Successive storms have made this Spain's gloomiest January in 30 years, with the fewest hours of sunshine since 1996. Recent storms like Leonardo, Marta, and Nils have forced evacuations, left thousands without power, and caused major travel disruptions.
Last week, Catalonia suspended classes for students and closed parks in Barcelona after 105 km/h (65 mph) winds felled trees, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by this severe weather pattern.
