# Extreme flooding and tornadoes in southern France > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/weather-patterns-in-france > Updated: 2026-09-30T12:24:53.000Z. Sources: 54. Developments: 5. By September 30, the exceptional Mediterranean weather event in southern France had escalated to include severe storm activity and tornadoes. The Gard and Hérault departments were placed under red alert as Météo-France predicted rainfall accumulations between 200 and 400 mm in the Cévennes region, driven by Mediterranean sea temperatures that are currently 2 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. In Gard, Prefect Fabienne Decottignies advised residents to stay indoors, noting that several rescue operations had already been conducted for individuals who disregarded safety instructions. Local impacts include flooded roads and rising rivers, with the Vidourle river flooding streets in Quissac and various roads around Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort and Anduze becoming impassable due to torrents of water and debris. Emergency measures remain extensive. Schools and public establishments have been closed, and all school transportation has been canceled. In Montpellier, public transport was moved to depots, and gymnasiums were opened to shelter vulnerable populations. In coastal communes such as Frontignan, campsites were evacuated as a precaution. The SNCF maintains a total interruption of rail traffic on the Nîmes to Clermont-Ferrand line. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has urged citizens to limit travel as emergency services remain fully mobilized. Nearby departments, including Lozère, Ardèche, and Bouches-du-Rhône, remain under orange alerts for storms and flooding. ## Claims - Météo-France has placed the Gard and Hérault departments under red alert for rain and flooding. (disputed by 16 sources) - The Gard, Hérault, Lozère, and Ardèche departments have been placed under orange alert. (disputed by 6 sources) - Rainfall totals in the Cévennes could reach between 200 and 350 mm. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Schools and universities have been closed in the Gard and Hérault departments. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Météo-France has classified the rainfall episode in Gard and Hérault as exceptional. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Prefect of Gard has suspended all school transportation for Wednesday. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Météo-France predicts rainfall intensities of 50 to 80 mm per hour. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Lozère and Ardèche have been placed under orange alert. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Vigicrues warns of rapid water level rises and significant damage risks for the Gardon d’Alès, Gardon d’Anduze, and upper Cèze. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Two tornadoes were observed touching the ground near Aigues-Mortes in the Gard department. (corroborated by 3 sources) - SNCF has implemented a total interruption of rail traffic on the Nîmes to Clermont-Ferrand axis. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vigicrues warned of significant flooding risks for the Gardon d’Alès, Gardon d’Anduze, Cèze, and Erau rivers. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Gard and Hérault under red alert for exceptional flooding Gard and Hérault in France are under red alert for exceptional flooding and heavy rainfall, leading to school closures, evacuations, and significant transport disruptions. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gard-and-hrault-under-red-alert-for-exceptional-flooding ### 2026-09-28: Gard and Hérault under red alert for exceptional rainfall and flooding Gard and Hérault in France are under red alert for exceptional rainfall and flooding. The Mediterranean episode has caused school closures, transport suspensions, and reported tornadoes near Aigues-Mortes. 42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southeastern-france-faces-first-autumn-cvenol-weather-episode ### 2026-09-26: France weather forecast: heavy rain and storms expected France faces incoming heavy rain and thunderstorms, with significant rainfall of up to 150 mm expected in the Cévennes and Languedoc regions starting Tuesday. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-weather-forecast-heavy-rain-and-storms-expected ### 2026-09-17: France weather: Storm alerts for Alpes-Maritimes and sunny skies in Pyrénées-Orientales Weather forecasts for France show sunny conditions in Pyrénées-Orientales and thunderstorm alerts for the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-weather-storm-alerts-for-alpes-maritimes-and-sunny-skies-in-pyrnes-orientales ### 2026-09-11: France weather forecast: Mild and sunny conditions across regions France is experiencing mild and sunny weather, with pleasant temperatures across most regions, including cool mornings in the north and warm, summer-like conditions in the south and Mediterranean. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-weather-forecast-mild-and-sunny-conditions-across-regions --- Cite as: Extreme flooding and tornadoes in southern France. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/weather-patterns-in-france