Storm Regina to hit southern France, 80mm of rain forecast

A major storm is set to clip southern France at the end of this week, bringing heavy rain to the eastern Pyrénées. 

Dubbed Storm Regina by Spanish meteorological authorities, the powerful weather system originated in North Africa and has moved up through the Iberian Peninsula and into the Mediterranean.

It will reach France this afternoon, with the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments most heavily impacted.

Up to 80mm of rain will fall in these two departments between today and Saturday (March 7), and coastal winds of 80km/h are possible, intensifying rainfall. 

Is there a risk of flooding?

Forecasters do not believe the storm will cause serious damage in France.

Soils in the area remain waterlogged due to heavy rainfall last month, meaning rainfall may accumulate. The recent flooding meant that for the first time in years, crisis-level water restrictions have been lifted.

However, the recent sustained rain means any new rainfall runs the risk of flooding in some areas such as near riverbanks, although the overall threat remains low in relation to Storm Regina. 

State forecaster Météo France has so far only issued a tier-two yellow warning for rain in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the lowest possible alert, and Aude remains clear of any warnings. 

Residents in the area should still check the forecaster’s website, as well as the official Vigicrues website to monitor river levels if living close to a waterway. 

The storm is a sudden departure from the calm conditions seen across France this week, and mimics the overall shift expected this weekend, with rain forecast across the country and temperatures dropping from warmer-than-usual to average for the beginning of March.

The western Pyrénées is set to see more rain at the end of the weekend, as Mediterranean thunderstorms move up into the area.