Full Breakdown
Storm Nils Causes Widespread Disruption Across France
2/13/2026, 7:13:59 AM
Overview of Storm Nils' Impact
Storm Nils has severely affected southwestern France since its arrival on February 11, 2026, bringing wind gusts exceeding 162 km/h (100 mph) and heavy rainfall. The storm has resulted in the death of a truck driver in Mées, Landes, when a tree branch fell onto his vehicle. As of February 12, approximately 850,000 homes are without power, primarily in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie regions, prompting emergency responses from grid operator Enedis, which has deployed over 400 workers to restore electricity.
Red Alerts and Evacuations
The French meteorological service, Météo France, has issued red alerts for several departments, including Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Aude, and Savoie, due to violent winds, flooding, and avalanche risks. In particular, the Garonne River has risen significantly, leading to precautionary evacuations in areas like La Réole, where about 30 residents were moved to safety. The situation remains critical, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Transportation Disruptions
The storm has caused extensive disruptions to transportation. Heavy goods vehicle traffic has been banned on major roads in Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales, and numerous roads remain blocked due to fallen trees. Rail services have also been heavily impacted, with cancellations reported on routes between Bordeaux and Toulouse, as well as regional services in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. The prefecture has warned that conditions may worsen, with the risk of sudden road closures and flooding.
Criticism and Opposition
Local authorities and residents have expressed concerns over the preparedness and response to the storm. Mayor Bruno Marty of La Réole highlighted the ongoing risks posed by the storm, stating, "The storm is preventing the proper flow of water, so my colleagues and I remain on absolute alert because we don't know exactly where it will lead." This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety regarding the adequacy of emergency measures in place.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most reports indicate around 850,000 homes are without power, some sources suggest the number may be as high as 900,000. Additionally, the exact number of roads affected by blockages varies, with estimates ranging from dozens to hundreds across the impacted regions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'The storm is preventing the proper flow of water, so my colleagues and I remain on absolute alert because we don't know exactly where it will lead,' Mayor Bruno Marty said.” — Bruno Marty, Mayor of La Réole
- “Laurent Nuñez, the Minister of the Interior, said: 'I urge everyone to exercise extreme caution, limit their travel, and follow local safety instructions'.” — Laurent Nuñez, Minister of the Interior
What's Next
As Storm Nils continues to impact France, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly regarding rising water levels and potential flooding. The storm is expected to move towards the Mediterranean, affecting Corsica and possibly leading to further disruptions in transport and power supply. Emergency services remain on high alert as they respond to ongoing challenges posed by the storm's aftermath.
