Five departments on orange alert as heavy rain and floods continue in south of France
Conditions are expected to worsen through the afternoon
Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor official bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel
Diane Edorh/Shutterstock
Heavy rainfall across has prompted Météo-France to place five departments on orange alert for flooding and river overflows on Sunday, December 21, as conditions are expected to worsen through the afternoon.
Gard, Lozère and Ardèche are under an orange “rain-flood” vigilance from 14:00 until midnight. Lozère and Aveyron are also subject to orange river flood alerts, joining Hérault, which has been on alert since Saturday.
The most intense rainfall is forecast along the Cévennes axis, from northern Hérault to southern Ardèche.
After a temporary lull on Saturday, rivers have risen rapidly, particularly
The river Hérault has overflowed at multiple points, including Castelnau-de-Guers, Montagnac, Aumes and Pézenas, inundating vineyards and closing the D32E5 bridge.
At Montagnac, water levels increased from 0.42metres on Friday evening to 4.60metres by Saturday afternoon. The Orb has been placed on yellow alert for potential flooding.
Flood alerts focus on specific river sections: the Hérault between Ganges and Gignac, and the Tarn and its tributaries up to Millau.
Vigicrues forecasts locally significant rises at Montbrun (Lozère) for the Tarn, Nant (Aveyron) for the Dourbie and Meyrueis (Lozère) for the Jonte.
Authorities warn of potential impacts on road and rail networks, electricity supplies and riverside infrastructure.
Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor official bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services remain on alert for flood response and interventions.
