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Storm Pedro Causes Historic Flooding in Southwestern France

2/20/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Storm Pedro intensifies flooding in southwestern France after 35 consecutive days of rain—the longest rainy streak since 1959, per Météo-France.
Four departments are under red alert, and nine others are on orange alert.
Bordeaux activated its emergency plan for the first time since 1999.
A man is missing after a canoe capsized in Chalonnes-sur-Loire.
Officials say flooding will persist even after the rain ends, despite expectations of drier weather.

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Story summary

Storm Pedro intensifies flooding in southwestern France after 35 consecutive days of rain—the longest rainy streak since 1959, per Météo-France.
Four departments are under red alert, and nine others are on orange alert.
Bordeaux activated its emergency plan for the first time since 1999.
A man is missing after a canoe capsized in Chalonnes-sur-Loire.
Officials say flooding will persist even after the rain ends, despite expectations of drier weather.