Persistent rainfall across the Landes department in southwestern France is causing rising water levels and prompting flood concerns, wiht a car already reported surrounded by water in Peyrehorade. The region has seen nearly two inches of rain in the past 48 hours, leading to a yellow alert status from Vigicrues for several waterways, and prompting local authorities to close roads and restrict beach access. This story details the unfolding situation and the impacts on local travel and safety as of February 1st.
A car parked on the quays of the combined Gaves in Peyrehorade was surrounded by rising waters.
Facebook Bien vivre à Peyrehorade
The return of the rain
Landes, France – Persistent rainfall has led to rising water levels across the Landes department, prompting concerns about potential flooding. A car was reportedly encircled by floodwaters after its owner parked it on the quays of the combined Gaves in Peyrehorade, prompting social media users to call for the owner to move the vehicle.
The region has been experiencing heavy precipitation for the past 48 hours, with some areas receiving nearly 2 inches of rain. Parleboscq, in the eastern part of the department, saw approximately 1.97 inches, while Bélus recorded 1.64 inches. Other areas significantly impacted by the rainfall include Créon-d’Armagnac (1.5 inches), Magescq (1.42 inches), Dax (1.38 inches), Bégaar (1.24 inches), Rion-des-Landes (1.18 inches), Bélis and Azur (1.18 inches).
The Adour River at the Bois de Boulogne in Dax.
Isabelle Louvier / SO
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Emergency services have reported few weather-related incidents and, fortunately, no injuries have been attributed to the strong winds or heavy rain.
These complicated conditions have led to some fallen trees.
Facebook Les routes Landaises / A.N.
Fallen trees have been reported in several areas, including on the road between Pouydesseaux and Mont-de-Marsan on January 31.
In Peyrehorade, an unattended vehicle was left parked on the quays, becoming surrounded by the rising floodwaters. Social media users appealed for the owner to be located and asked to move the car.
The Midouze River is flooded in Mont-de-Marsan.
Philippe Salvat / SO
As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, several waterways in the Landes department remained under yellow alert by Vigicrues. Water levels continue to rise, reaching 3.17 feet in Dax on the Adour River, 5.74 feet in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, and 3.87 feet in Pontonx-sur-l’Adour. The Midouze River in Mont-de-Marsan is also experiencing high levels, currently at 3.82 feet.
Flooding has been reported in multiple locations, and caution is advised near rivers. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming hours as water levels continue to increase.
Residents along the Landes coast are also urged to exercise caution, particularly during high tide, due to strong tidal coefficients that will persist at the beginning of the week. Access to many beaches is currently prohibited as a safety measure implemented by local municipalities.
Road closures
The heavy rainfall has caused disruptions to the Landes department’s road network. Several roads have been closed due to rising waters. As of Sunday morning, February 1, multiple routes were impassable.
