Flooding Prompts Evacuations in Western France
Authorities in Maine-et-Loire, France, have ordered the evacuation of residents in several communes as river levels continue to rise following days of heavy rainfall and the passage of Storm Nils. The situation is described as critical, with potential for significant flooding.
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the prefecture ordered the evacuation of inhabitants located between the Louet and Loire rivers, specifically in the communes of Saint-Jean-de-la-Croix and Les Ponts-de-Cé, excluding the Saint-Maurille sector. Residents in the Plaines area were strongly advised to evacuate due to a potential overspill of the Petit-Louet dam. A prefectural official indicated that a large area could be flooded if the road were to collapse.
River Levels Continue to Rise
The Sarthe river at Cheffes-sur-Sarthe has reached a level of 5.41 meters, up from 5.01 meters on Saturday. Forecasts predict further increases, potentially reaching 5.85 meters by Monday, February 16, 2026.
The Maine river at Angers has also surpassed a new threshold, measuring 5.22 meters compared to 4.85 meters the previous day. Vigicrues anticipates the level exceeding 5.47 meters on Monday, with a high-end forecast of 5.71 meters.
The Loire river, placed under orange alert in Maine-et-Loire between Saumur and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, continues to climb. At Montjean-sur-Loire, the level is currently 4.44 meters (compared to 4.07 meters on February 13, 2026) and is projected to reach 4.97 meters on Monday.
Unfavorable Weather Forecast
The Maine-et-Loire department remains under orange alert for flooding as of Sunday, February 15, 2026, and this alert is expected to continue on Monday. According to Météo France, between 14 and 22 millimeters of rain are expected in Angers today, following 10.3 millimeters already recorded this morning and 21.6 millimeters on Friday.
Road Closures Widespread
Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding, according to the departmental website, infosroute49. Affected routes include those between Les Ponts-de-Cé and Denée (due to the ligérian embankment); Briollay and Soulaire-et-Bourg; Brissarthe and Chemiré-sur-Sarthe; Villemoisan and Le Louroux-Béconnais; Le Mesnil-en-Vallée and Ingrandes-sur-Loire; Champtocé-sur-Loire and Montjean-sur-Loire; Le Fresne-sur-Loire and Montrelais; Rochefort-sur-Loire and Savennières; Les Ponts-de-Cé and Juigné-sur-Loire; Blaison-Gohier and Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne; Gennes and Le Thoureil; Artannes-sur-Thouet and Distré; and Le Puy-Notre-Dame and Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay (in the Sarthe department).
Access to certain communes is also blocked, including areas within the agglomeration of Béhuard, the entrance to the town of Savennières, Saint-Jean-de-la-Croix, and Chacé.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution, avoid travel, and follow real-time instructions.
