On Monday, January 27, 2025, Météo-France placed the Ille-et-Vilaine on red vigilance during its 6-hour bulletin for exceptional flood phenomena. This rare and disturbing decision mainly concerns the rivers of the Vilaine Médian and the Cauge. These flood levels, comparable to those of 2001, reveal the cumulative impact of the Herminia and Eowyn storms in a region already saturated with water.
Exceptional floods in Ille-et-Vilaine: a critical situation
The rise of water in Ille-et-Vilaine is the direct result of continuous precipitation and soil incapable of absorbing more water. According to the latest Vigicrues Bulletin, the Vilaine Middle and the cuttlefish have reached critical levels, going beyond historical thresholds. Local and national authorities also monitor the tributaries, such as furniture and ille-teil, which remain in Orange vigilance.
Here is a summary table of the levels of vigilance in the affected regions:
| Watercourse | Department (s) | Vigilance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle naughty | Ille-et-Vilaine (35) | Rouge | Exceptional flood. Levels comparable to January 2001. Major overflows planned. |
| Cuttlefish | Ille-et-Vilaine (35) | Rouge | Significant overflows in urbanized areas. Reinforced vigilance around Rennes. |
| My | Ille-et-Vilaine (35) | Orange | Reactive tributary. Risk of worsening in the event of new rains. |
| Ille-teil | Ille-et-Vilaine (35) | Orange | Localized overflows, mainly on rural and agricultural areas. |
| Upstream ugly | Ille-et-Vilaine (35) | Orange | Important overflows, slow propagation of floods to downstream areas. |
| Orne (upstream and average) | Calvados (14), Orne (61) | Orange | Overflows touching bridges and roads. |
| Mayenne | Mayenne (53) | Orange | Elevation of persistent levels. Particularly affected agricultural areas. |
| Strange | Maine-et-Loire (49), Mayenne (53) | Orange | Overponsions in progress, increased risks for local infrastructure. |
Raw red vigilance: floods already underway but the situation can worsen
The floods have already caused significant floods in several municipalities. Departmental roads are disrupted, while rail transport is experiencing delays and cancellations. In addition, sporadic electricity cuts complicate the management of this crisis.
-Urban areas, especially around Rennes, face increased risks. Rescue services call for maximum vigilance and recall the strict prohibition to approach rivers. In parallel, leisure activities, such as canoeing, were suspended by prefectural decree.
The prefect of Ille-et-Vilaine calls on the population to follow the safety instructions: Avoid unnecessary displacement, keep informed via Vigicrues and the official media, and respect the restrictions imposed. Residents of risk areas are requested to prepare an emergency kit and evacuate if necessary.
Summary table of vigilance flood in progress According to Météo France this Monday, January 27, 2025 in the morning
| Region | Watercourse | Vigilance | Current situation | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany | Middle naughty | Rouge | Exceptional flood, levels similar to 2001. | Major overflows in urban areas. |
| Cuttlefish | Rouge | Exceptional flood, rapid elevation of water. | Significant overflows in residential areas. | |
| My | Orange | Important floods upstream, aggravated by recent precipitation. | Buildings located on roads and agricultural areas. | |
| Ille-teil | Orange | Progressive vintages, mainly affecting rural areas. | Risks for infrastructure close to rivers. | |
| Upstream ugly | Orange | Extended flood with slow propagation to downstream areas. | Generalized overflows on agricultural land. | |
| Normandie | Orne (upstream and average) | Orange | High levels persistent after continuous rains. | Harmful overflows affecting roads and bridges. |
| Dives | Orange | Boards located in low areas. | Risks for habitats close to the banks. | |
| Iton | Orange | Water rise after soil saturation. | Impact on local infrastructure. | |
| Pays de la Loire | Mayenne | Orange | Important flood, high levels over the entire length of the watercourse. | Agricultural disruptions and secondary road cuts. |
| Strange | Orange | Overcosts underway in several municipalities crossed. | Increased risks for residential areas close to banks. | |
| Other regions | Black | Jaune | Beginning of increase in levels observed after the last rains. | Moderate risk for rural banks and secondary axes. |
| Sèvre Nantaise Aval | Jaune | Gradual increase in waters, without major overflows for the moment. | Monitoring of confluence areas with the Loire. |
While Brittany continues to undergo the consequences of winter storms, red vigilance recalls the gravity of extreme weather phenomena. The floods of the Vilaine and its tributaries will remain under close surveillance in the coming days.
