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Man Missing in Floods as France Hit by Record 35 Days of Rain
A man disappeared after his canoe capsized in the Loire River amid France's record 36-day rain streak causing flooding, evacuations, and 5,000 power outages, officials said.
- On February 18, 2026, emergency services reported a man missing after his canoe capsized in Chalonnes-sur-Loire, while Météo-France confirmed France's record of 35 consecutive rainy days.
- Widespread downpours have left rivers including the Garonne with banks burst and affected south‑west France and Corsica, according to Météo‑France, which reported the longest rainy spell since 1959.
- Evacuation teams said in Saintes, in Charentes-Maritime, several central streets and the Arch of Germanicus were flooded on Wednesday.
- Officials expect Storm Pedro to hit France on Thursday, bringing winds up to 90km/h and 30–50mm of rain, worsening flood risks.
- Officials say new rainfall could fuel the current floods, and Bruno Drapron noted the flood peak is not expected before Saturday or Sunday, with Chadourne-Facon added, `A return to normal conditions will then occur very gradually`.
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55 Articles
On Thursday 19 February 2026, the vigilance for floods went red in the Loire-Atlantique. It is advisable to stay at home.
Man missing amid France's record rain
A man has gone missing in the Loire River in the flood-hit west of France, an official said, as the country on Wednesday marked a record-breaking streak of 35 consecutive days of rain. National weather service Meteo-France said the country was experiencing its longest series of rainy days since measurements began in 1959, breaking the 2023 record. Four departments in western France were placed under red alert over the risk of flooding, with offi…
Today, Pedro's storm hit the country.
After a brief lull in rainfall, the arrival of storm Pedro this Wednesday, February 18 must bring another intense rain on the French coast. The decline is not expected to take place until Friday.
It hasn't been dry for a whole day in France for over a month. It has rained for 35 consecutive days, making it the longest rain streak since 1959, the year the French meteorological service began keeping track. The previous rain record dates back to 2023, when it rained for 32 consecutive days. A day is considered a "rainy day" when the average precipitation across the country is 1 millimeter or more. Given the weather forecast, the streak will…
France Faces Deluge: Navigating the Rising Loire Waters | Science-Environment
Western France is grappling with severe flooding as torrential rains continue to swell the Loire river. A man has gone missing after being swept away. As flood alerts increase, residents and officials brace for the effects of climate change and rising waters reshaping the landscape.
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