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On October 16-17, 2024, central France, particularly the Loire-Atlantique and Vendée departments, experienced severe flooding due to the remnants of Storm Kirk. The storm brought torrential rains, with some areas receiving more than 95 mm of rainfall in 24 hours—exceeding the monthly average. This resulted in significant flooding, road closures, and power outages, particularly in Vendée and the surrounding areas. Rail traffic was also severely disrupted, with trains halted between Grenoble and Lyon. Seine-et-Marne was placed on red alert due to the rising waters of the Grand Morin River, which led to the evacuation of over 180 people in Crécy-la-Chapelle. The Ministry of Transport activated its crisis unit to manage the widespread flooding, while local authorities continue to monitor water levels, which are still rising in many areas. Trees fell, and wind gusts reached over 100 km/h, compounding the difficulties in regions such as the Basque Country and parts of the southwest. The flooding has led to hazardous travel conditions, impassable roads, and ongoing disruptions to electricity supplies. Despite the storm weakening after passing through the U.S., its impact on France has been severe, and recovery efforts are expected to take several days. Evacuations may continue as floodwaters recede slowly, and further rain is forecasted for parts of the region.
