Calmer climate in the southwest of France after bad weather, a train evacuated and the Var under orange alert
The recent severe weather that hit southwest France has given way to a calmer climate. Météo-France announced the lifting of alerts, signaling a return to expected normality after days of torrential rain and hail. However, the Var department remains under orange alert, threatening heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Effects of the severe weather on infrastructure
The heavy rains, which occurred late in the day on May 19, caused chaos. Firefighters stepped up operations in several departments, particularly in Lot-et-Garonne, where roads were flooded. The most significant incident occurred when the ballast under a railway track collapsed, forcing the evacuation of a TGV train with 507 passengers on board. Rescuers acted quickly, mobilizing some sixty personnel to ensure the safety of passengers. Impact on other transport services
Following this incident, an Intercités train from Toulouse to Paris also experienced significant delays, being stuck overnight in Agen. Passengers will now have to continue their journey to Toulouse by bus. SNCF has already announced that rail service between Agen and Marmande will remain interrupted for several days, affecting many passengers.
507 passengers evacuated from a TGV train
- Train service disrupted between Bordeaux and Toulouse
- Emergency services mobilized on a large scale
- Rising rivers and flooding reported
- Weather forecast for the climate in the Southwest
As a new day dawned, Météo-France reassured residents. The disruptions were dissipating, and the weather forecast was looking milder. The latest rainfall totals suggested peaks of over 100 mm in some areas, but this morning, all alerts were lifted, except for the one for the Var region. The developing storms there could generate 80 mm to 120 mm of rain in just three hours.
The bad weather also took its toll on crops, mainly in the Garonne Valley, which is already suffering from excessive rainfall. This May was particularly marked by extreme weather conditions, affecting local agricultural production. Location
Precipitation (mm)
| Road Conditions | Puycelsi | > 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Flooded | Saint-Félix-Lauragais | 80 |
| Temporarily Out of Service | Prayssas | 80 |
| Roads Impassable | Orange Alert Maintained in Var | Despite the return to calmer weather conditions in the Southwest, Var remains under orange alert. Local authorities are implementing crisis management measures to anticipate potential extreme weather events. The population is therefore urged to remain cautious and monitor weather forecasts closely. |
Safety Advice for Residents
The risk of thunderstorms and heavy rain requires a minimum of preparation. Here are some tips to follow during alert periods:
Listen to information broadcast by Météo-France.
Avoid driving on flooded roads.
- Prepare a survival kit with water and non-perishable food.
- Find out about emergency routes. For more information on climate and climate-related crisis management, you can read articles on
- Météo-Contact
- or follow the news on
Southwest weather forecast .
