Woman dies as mudslide tears through home during storms in France

A woman has died in the north of France after fierce storm conditions caused a mudslide to hit her home during the night (overnight May 1-2).

The husband of the unnamed 57-year old was also injured but managed to escape the torrent of water and mud in the incident in Courmelles (Aisne).

The Aisne prefecture announced the death in a press release, saying it was the result of an “intense and very localised rainfall event [which] caused run-off and a mudslide.” The incident happened around midnight.

The house, located at the bottom of a hill, was ripped open by the mudslide, which was over 1m60 in height. The force of the water was so strong it ripped out some of the walls, leaving furniture in the middle of the street and the inside of the home exposed.

You can see photos and a video of the destruction via local media site L'union. 

“The mudslide rushed into an area with around ten homes and hit one house in particular,” the mayor of Courmelles Arnaud Svrcek told AFP. 

He has activated the commune’s emergency plan, and set up a temporary shelter and help centre for people affected by the mudslide.

Aisne was one of 17 departments facing heightened orange weather warnings on May 1, after heavy storms hit the north-east and parts of western France. 

Read more: Storms in France: what to do if at home, out walking or in car

Flights were re-routed from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (Roissy) and Orly airport due to the storms.

Elsewhere, storms caused hail to fall, particularly in the Yonne, where acres of vineyards were destroyed.

Close to Paris, in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, intense hail was also seen.

On some roads close to the capital, vehicles were forced to stop because the storms were too strong.

In Paris, lightning could be seen against the iconic Montmartre skyline, alongside the heavy hail.

Storms still forecast in north

There are 55 departments still facing weather warnings today (May 2), mostly for storms in the north, and for river flooding in the centre of the country.

However, as of 09:00 today these are at a tier-two yellow warning, with all heightened alerts being reduced overnight. 

Read more: What action is advised with different Météo France weather warnings

Rain is still expected across most of France, although the western coast – and Brittany – should see clear skies.

Storms are still predicted in the north, but not at the same intensity as yesterday. On Friday (May 3) a new Atlantic storm is forecast to sweep into central France via Brittany.

Temperatures are mostly returning to typical May levels, however the national average is still around 2C lower than normal for the beginning of the month. 

In the south, particularly along the western part of the Mediterranean coast, a temporary halt to rain and storms are predicted, although temperatures are unlikely to break the 20C mark. 

More storms are predicted in the south next week, particularly in the Pyrénées.

Read more: Saharan sands, rain in Pyrénées, warm spring: French weather trends

You can keep up to date with all official weather warnings through the official Météo France website. It provides information on warnings up to 48 hours in advance.