In brief
Storm Adam struck southern France on Tuesday, flooding streets and cutting off transport lanes. Four deaths—including two women in the Bouches‑du‑Rhône and a man swept from a 4x4 on Corsica—were confirmed, while one injury was reported. Residents in towns such as Mouriès and Saint‑Martin‑de‑Crau were moved to emergency shelters as officials mobilised at an exceptional level to address the crisis. French authorities now warn of an incoming weather system, Storm Austen, and issue orange-level wind warnings for five western departments. The storm also wrought severe damage along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, where nine fatalities were recorded.
Storm Adam triggered widespread flooding across southern France on Tuesday, claiming the lives of four people and leaving one more injured.
The heavy rains inundated streets, flooded homes, and disrupted both roads and rail services in the Bouches‑du‑Rhône region. Residents found themselves trapped as water levels rose to unprecedented heights.
Fatalities: Two women, aged 86 and 26, drowned in a cellar in the Bouches‑du‑Rhône. On Covise, a 4x4 vehicle was swept away; one occupant escaped, but a second man was found dead. The fourth death remains unreported by authorities.
In the towns of Mouriès and Saint‑Martin‑de‑Crau—located between Montpellier and Marseille—dozens were moved to emergency shelters. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed via X that roads and train lines were severely affected.
"The water has risen to unprecedented levels," said Jacques Witkowski, prefect of the Bouches‑du‑Rhône, adding that emergency services were mobilised at an exceptional level to address the crisis.
Looking ahead: Météo‑France has issued an orange‑level wind warning for five western departments—Côtes‑d'Armor, Finistère, Morbihan, Ille‑et‑Vilaine, and Manche—effective from Thursday evening into Friday. The new weather system, Storm Austen, is expected to hit the north‑west of France.
The impact of Storm Adam extended beyond France. Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast suffered severe flooding: three people were killed in eastern Spain, and a woman was found dead in Valencia. The Spanish government pledged reconstruction support, with an aid package of €23.5 million approved for affected areas.
