Advertisement

South-west France hit by violent storms and floods

The Local France
The Local France - [email protected]
South-west France hit by violent storms and floods
Photo: AFP

Eight departments in south-west France remained on alert on Monday morning after overnight storms caused flash flooding that closed roads and train lines in the region.

Advertisement

Violent storms overnight left roads closed and train lines underwater, which meant travelling in the region was difficult to say the least.

On Monday morning the departments of Ariège, Aveyron, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne remained on alert with more downpours forecast.

The Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departmens in the south east were also placed on alert on for storms later on Monday.

SNCF rail services had to be suspended between Toulouse and Tarbes after the station at Tournay was left underwater. Services between Toulouse and Narbonne were also cut after the rails were left submerged at Avignonet.

Bus services were laid on to replace the suspended rail services. The railway line between Castelnaudary and Villefranche de Lauragais was also cut due to flooding.

 

Drivers have been urged to take caution and avoid travelling if possible with several roads submerged or blocked due to flooding. Parts of the 163 and 164 motorways had to be closed due to rising water levels.

France's Basque country was particularly badly hit by the heavy rain and on Monday authorities decided to temporarily ban swimming on certain beaches.

 

 

 

 

 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also