Major Floods in Ille-et-Vilaine: Red Alert and Potential Record-Breaking Levels

On January 27, 2025, Météo-France placed Ille-et-Vilaine under a red flood alert following the passage of Storm Herminia. This warning primarily affects two rivers in the southern part of the department: the Vilaine médiane and the Seiche. In Rennes, while water levels seem to be decreasing, the situation is more critical in Guipry, where records from 1995 and 2001 have already been surpassed. Experts predict that the Seiche may reach levels higher than those seen in 1966, and the Vilaine could equal or even exceed the historic flood of 1995.

Heavy, persistent rainfall since the weekend has led to spectacular flooding in the Rennes area, with inundations unseen in over 40 years. Roads have been cut off, evacuations have taken place, and even a clinic was forced to close. The floodwaters continue to rise, with more flooding expected in the coming days.

Orange Alert in Eight Other Departments: Floods, Storm Surges, and Avalanches

In addition to Ille-et-Vilaine, eight other departments in mainland France are under an orange alert. Five departments—Calvados, Mayenne, Maine-et-Loire, Eure, and Orne—are facing flood risks. The Finistère and Morbihan departments are at risk of storm surges along the coast, starting at 1:00 PM. The Hautes-Alpes are also under an orange alert for avalanches due to heavy precipitation affecting the southern Alps. These extreme weather conditions are rare, and authorities remain vigilant as the situation evolves, with additional risks expected in the coming days.