Video: flash floods hit communes near Paris – alerts continue

Several towns to the north-east of Paris were hit by flash flooding after sustained storms last night (July 23), leaving streets submerged. 

Residents were evacuated and the emergency services remain on alert across much of northern France.

Aisne is the most affected department after an intense storm struck during the evening, bringing the equivalent of a month’s rain in under an hour to some areas.

The worst-hit commune, Bohain-en-Vermandois, recorded between 70 and 80mm of rain per square metre. The commune of Wassigny is also particularly affected.

Streets were flooded leaving cars submerged and firefighters deployed 36 personnel and 11 vehicles to deal with the situation. 

Ten people had to be evacuated from a sports hall, and another was rescued from their home. Two businesses also suffered light property damage.

State forecaster Météo-France has placed Aisne and 13 other departments on high (orange) level flood and storm alert until at least Thursday afternoon. 

The alert warns of “locally strong and stationary storms that could cause temporary flooding in at-risk areas”.

The stormy weather is linked to a broader stormfront affecting the Paris area and surrounding departments, with more rain falling on Thursday morning. 

Total precipitation of 40mm to 60mm is widespread, with up to 80mm possible locally.

Speaking on Wednesday night, Aisne prefect Fanny Anor urged residents to exercise “the greatest vigilance” as the risk of further flooding remains high in the southern part of the department.

Widespread alerts across France

Across France, 14 departments were placed under orange alert and 45 under yellow alert early Thursday. 

The north and east of the country are experiencing unseasonably cool and wet weather, with high winds and steady rainfall from the Loire Valley to Alsace.

Temperatures hovered between 12C and 14C across much of the north on Thursday morning and are forecast to rise only slightly in the afternoon, with blustery winds reinforcing the feeling of early autumn.

Residents in affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying roads, underground car parks and other flood-prone zones, and to follow instructions from local officials.

By contrast, the south-east remains dry and sunny, with temperatures of 30C or more along the Mediterranean coast. 

However, the northerly Mistral wind is strengthening across the Rhône Valley, exacerbating the fire risk in Provence due to a combination of wind, heat and dry soils.

Alerts move east on Friday

Conditions are expected to improve slightly on Friday as the storm front moves east, with some recovery in temperatures. 

However, forecasts indicate the possibility of renewed rainfall in the north by Sunday.

Météo-France and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially in departments under orange alert.