France is feeling the full force of Storm Floriane today, with violent winds causing chaos across the country. If you’re in northern or central France, or planning to travel, it’s time to stay alert—and maybe rethink your plans.
Winds Wreaking Havoc
The storm has slammed into regions like Charleville-Mézières, Châlons-en-Champagne, and Bar-le-Duc, unleashing gusts up to 110 km/h. Trees are toppling, debris is flying, and roads are becoming impassable. Météo-France has placed several departments under orange alert, warning of more trouble ahead. By early evening, there’s a real risk of floods and avalanches in northern France. Even Bordeaux, farther south, hasn’t escaped unscathed.
Floriane is now surging northeast and could hit Belgium by late afternoon. If you’re in the storm’s path, your best bet is to stay indoors and wait it out.
Trains Stalled
Travel by rail? It’s a mess. SNCF is battling widespread disruptions, with services canceled, slowed, or rerouted.
A power outage near Nantes and Savenay has forced trains to crawl through the area. Normal service isn’t expected to resume until 8 PM.
Over in Pont-Sainte-Maxence, a tree crashing onto the tracks has brought trains to a halt between Creil and Compiègne.
SNCF is working hard to keep passengers moving, with replacement buses in some areas. If your train is canceled, you can exchange your ticket or postpone your trip—no fees, no fuss. Just make sure to check your train status before heading out.
Roads Under Siege
If you’re driving, things aren’t much better. The A51 motorway, connecting Grenoble and Marseille, is closed near the Sinard tunnel because of debris littering the road. Officials are warning drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, especially in flooded areas.
What’s Next?
Floriane may be moving fast, but it’s leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With more strong winds, floods, and potential avalanches on the horizon, northern France is bracing for more trouble tonight.
So what should you do? If you’re in an affected area, today might be the perfect time to curl up with a book and stay safe indoors. If you absolutely have to travel, check updates frequently and proceed with caution.
