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Bordeaux, France is battling significant flooding as the Garonne River overflowed its banks on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following days of relentless rainfall and the arrival of Storm Pedro. Four departments – Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Charente-Maritime, and Maine-et-Loire – remain under red alert for flooding, with the situation in Bordeaux particularly critical. The city activated its communal safety plan for the first time since the record-breaking storms of December 1999, anticipating peak flood levels comparable to those experienced over two decades ago.
The confluence of Storm Pedro and high tides has exacerbated the already precarious situation, with water levels rising rapidly. Authorities are bracing for potential impacts on two Bordeaux neighborhoods, and in Libourne, officials expect to exceed the flood levels seen in 1999. The city of Saintes, accustomed to flooding, is facing a Charente River level expected to reach 6.40m to 6.50m, dangerously close to the record of 6.84m set in 1982. This comes after 35 consecutive days of rainfall, the longest period of continuous precipitation recorded in France since 1959.
Widespread Disruption and Emergency Response
The impact of the flooding is widespread, with reports of isolated villages, submerged roads, and the deployment of boats to navigate inundated streets. More than 2,000 homes are affected in Saintes, with half of them flooded, and dozens of streets are closed to traffic, according to local officials. In Bordeaux, Mayor Pierre Hurmic activated the city’s emergency plan in anticipation of the high tide and rising Garonne levels. The situation is described as “unprecedented” by Vigicrues director Lucie Chadourne-Facon, who highlighted the simultaneous crises across multiple departments.
Météo-France has warned of strong wind gusts accompanying Storm Pedro, further complicating rescue efforts and increasing the risk of damage. The storm is described as a “winter storm not exceptional” but its impact is amplified by the saturated ground following recent storms and the extended period of heavy rainfall. Twenty additional departments are under orange alert for wind, waves, and avalanches along the Atlantic coast, the Occitan coast of the Mediterranean, and in the Alps.
Gironde Grapples with Consecutive Storms
The current crisis follows closely on the heels of Storm Nils, which recently impacted the Gironde region. The area is still recovering from the earlier storm and the resulting floods when Storm Pedro arrived. Météo France issued a triple vigilance warning for Gironde on Wednesday, February 18th, including alerts for wind, storms, and the ongoing flood risk. Bordeaux experienced wind gusts up to 75 km/h on Wednesday afternoon, with stronger gusts of 95 km/h reported along the coast and 65 km/h inland.
The situation underscores the increasing vulnerability of regions to extreme weather events. The combination of prolonged rainfall, storm surges, and high tides is creating a challenging environment for emergency responders and local communities. The French government is monitoring the situation closely and providing support to affected areas.
What to Expect Next
Authorities are continuing to monitor the Garonne River levels and assess the extent of the damage. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents, providing assistance to those affected by the flooding, and restoring essential services. As Storm Pedro moves eastward, attention will shift to assessing the long-term impact of the flooding and implementing measures to mitigate future risks. The coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the damage and the recovery process for the affected communities.
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