Brittany remains on high flood alert as rivers rise and roads close

Flood disruption continues across Brittany today (January 27) with all four departments remaining on high (orange) flood alert and rivers still rising after a night of heavy rain on already saturated ground.

The latest Atlantic weather system brought 20-40mm of rain overnight, with higher local totals, pushing river levels back up after a brief lull over the weekend. 

It follows the heavy rain that brought flooding last week, which caused the River Laïta to hit a high level of almost four metres on January 22.

This saw emergency services in Quimperlé rescue residents trapped in their upstairs rooms as their shops and homes were flooded.

Officials warn that flooding could intensify tonight, particularly in southern and western Brittany. 

The rivers Laïta, Odet, Oust and Blavet are particularly at risk and road conditions remain severely disrupted, especially in Finistère and Morbihan, where dozens of departmental roads were closed or partially submerged.

Widespread transport disruption

Authorities advise motorists to avoid all flooded roads and follow diversion routes, stressing that water depths and flow rates can change rapidly.

In the Pays Bigouden, flooding has been reported on the RD44 between Pont-l’Abbé and Combrit, and on the RD43 at the entrance to Pouldreuzic. 

In Morbihan, the RD23 linking Lochrist and Inzinzac-Lochrist is closed, and sections of the RD768 between Camors and Baud are also cut.

In Quimper, several quays, roads and car parks along the Odet and Steïr rivers are closed as a precaution, with bus routes diverted. In Morlaix, riverside car parks remain closed amid fears of further rises on the Queffleuth.

Rivers approaching peak levels

Water levels on the Laïta at Quimperlé are forecast to peak at 14:00 today.

Flood barriers and monitoring teams remain in place amid warnings that renewed rainfall could prolong inundation in low-lying areas. 

Further inland, the Blavet is over one metre above normal levels in Pontivy, prompting road closures and pumping operations. It is forecast to rise by another 20-25cm overnight.

Along the Oust, a major flood continues downstream through Morbihan and Ille-et-Vilaine, with significant overflows reported around Malestroit. 

The Vilaine basin is under close surveillance, particularly near Redon, where municipalities have activated emergency response plans.

Météo-France said conditions should begin to stabilise on Wednesday, but river levels are expected to remain high, with additional rainfall possible later in the week.