the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques is placed on orange alert to floods

The Pyrénées-Atlantiques department was placed on orange alert for “floods”, Saturday May 13, due to a “significant flood risk” of the Nivelle. The sector, between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, is affected by “interrupted rains for several days”, according to Vigicrues, who expected the first overflows on Saturday morning.

After the morning rainfall, “heavy rains are still expected on the Nivelle for the next few hours, causing a very significant reaction of the river“, warns Vigicrues. The maximum expected “should not exceed 3m70 at the end of the morning”, explains Météo France. The Nivelle notably crosses Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure.

“Traffic conditions can be made difficult across the entire network and disruptions can affect rail transportwarns Météo France. Power outages may occur.” In a press release, the prefecture also recalls the safety instructions (stay away from waterways, do not engage on foot or by car on a submerged road and avoid moving).