Storms cause flash flooding leaving roads underwater in south France

Weather warnings for Gers, Haute-Garonne, Ariège and Tarn-et-Garonne have today been lifted, after storms passed through the Foix, Toulouse, Montauban and Cahors area yesterday.

Heavy thunderstorms began in the afternoon and continued into the night, causing flash flooding in L'Albane, La Prade, the streams of Marsole and Brugairolles.

Most of the rain fell in Aude and around Routier (northwest of Limoux), in particular. Some 150mm was recorded in less than two hours during the early evening.

Certain roads are still underwater this morning, those around Lauraguel-Alaigne having been flagged by the road information portal for the Aude Department.

Around 80 firefighters have been pumping water out of basements and cellars, while three people had to be rescued from their vehicles. Empty vehicles swept away have also been recovered.

Back in 2018, the Aude received three months’ rainfall in a few hours, leading to flash flooding that claimed the lives of 13 people. No major damage or casualties have been reported this time.

Calm after the storm

Sunny spells and showers have been forecast for the southwest today, the weather getting brighter as the day goes on, while Occitanie is expected to enjoy sunny weather this weekend.

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