Bordeaux Activates Flood Emergency Plan for the First Time Since 1999

For the first time in nearly three decades, the city of Bordeaux has launched its “Plan Communal de Sauvegarde” (PCS) — its emergency response plan — to protect residents from major flooding. Triggered on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, the measure comes as the Garonne River swells dangerously under the combined pressure of heavy rain, storm surges, and saturated ground.

A Rare Preventive Move

This activation is the first since 1999, when the city last faced widespread flooding during a violent winter storm. Mayor Pierre Hurmic confirmed the decision on Wednesday afternoon following alerts from Vigicrues, France’s national flood monitoring service, which placed the Garonne estuary under red-level vigilance — the highest possible alert.

Local authorities closed Bordeaux’s parks, gardens, and riverside areas at 6 p.m. Wednesday, and these zones will remain off-limits throughout Thursday. The closures also extend to several green spaces managed by Bordeaux Métropole, as officials aim to prevent accidents in flood-prone zones.

What Is the Plan Communal de Sauvegarde (PCS)?

The PCS is a core part of France’s civil protection framework, designed to coordinate emergency responses during major threats such as floods, storms, or industrial accidents.
It enables the rapid coordination of local resources, communication systems, and evacuation plans.

Key measures typically include:

Setting up emergency communication centres
Alerting and supporting at-risk residents
Coordinating public services such as firefighters, police, and municipal teams
Temporarily closing vulnerable roads and public infrastructure

READ ALSO: After the Storm: How to Prepare Your French Home for Winter Weather

A Region Already Hit Hard by Flooding

Southwestern France has endured relentless flooding and storms since early 2026. Several departments — including Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Charente-Maritime, and Maine-et-Loire — remain under red flood alerts after record-breaking rainfall across the region.

In Saintes (Charente-Maritime), floods have almost reached levels not seen since the 1980s, with the Charente River expected to rise above 6.4 metres. Officials have warned residents of possible evacuations and transport delays.

Adding to the challenge, storm Pedro has lashed the Atlantic coast with:

Continuous rainfall of 30–50 mm over 24 hours,
Gale-force winds over 100 km/h,
And high tides reaching a coefficient of 97, heightening the risk of marine flooding along the estuary.

An Unprecedented Meteorological Context

According to Météo France, the country is experiencing its longest rainy spell since 1959 — an astonishing 35 consecutive days of precipitation. This has left soils waterlogged and rivers dangerously high, creating perfect conditions for flash flooding.

In La Réole, southeast of Bordeaux, authorities expect the flooding to approach levels of 9.5 metres, similar to the destructive surges of 2019 and 2021. The French national rail company (SNCF) has pre-emptively suspended services in several low-lying areas of Nouvelle-Aquitaine as a safety precaution.

How Residents Can Stay Safe

Authorities urge residents to:

Avoid walking or driving near riversides or flooded streets.
Check local updates from the Bordeaux mairie and Vigicrues website.
Prepare an emergency kit with documents, essentials, and medications.
Follow evacuation instructions immediately if issued.

While Bordeaux is well-equipped with flood defenses, the combination of high rainfall, powerful tides, and persistent storms is putting the city’s resilience to the test.

Final Thoughts

Bordeaux’s cautious activation of its flood plan highlights how climate change and extreme weather are forcing even well-prepared cities to reassess their emergency readiness. For residents and expats in southwestern France, this is a reminder to remain vigilant — and to stay informed as the Garonne continues to rise.