watercourses under surveillance

A new alert from Météo France places the Oise on yellow alert for the risk of flooding. This Tuesday, December 17, 2024, between Compiègne and Aisne, the authorities are calling for caution. Soil saturation and recent precipitation threaten to cause localized overflows.

The flooding of the Oise: a consequence of the end-of-year rains

Recent heavy rains in December have weakened the lands of the Oise. The rising water levels particularly affect the area of ​​the Oise middle, located to the east of the department, between Compiègne and the limit with the Aisne. The soils, already saturated, struggle to absorb new precipitation. This situation led Weather France to activate a yellow alert for flood risk, applicable from December 17.

According to meteorologists, the flood wave is currently progressing in the downstream part of the river section. Although the situation remains under control, localized overflows are observed around rivers, particularly affecting municipalities such as Asnières-sur-Oise et Bruyères-sur-Oise. These overflows, although limited, cause concern and vigilance among local residents.

Unreassuring weather conditions

The weather forecast for the next few hours leaves little respite. A cloudy sky and intermittent rain are forecast, with temperatures oscillating between 5°C and 9°C. These conditions will inevitably reinforce soil saturation and increase the risk of flooding.

Although the decline has begun timidly, experts estimate that the yellow alert would remain in effect at least until Wednesday December 18. Further climate deterioration could worsen the situation and delay a return to normal.

Authorities remain on alert

Faced with this situation, the services of the Oise Prefecture ensure constant monitoring of river levels and are ready to intervene in the event of worsening. Residents of at-risk areas are invited to follow the precautionary instructions:

• Avoid flooded roads or closed to traffic;
• Stay attentive to official weather reports ;
• Protect property located in sous-sols or in zones basses particularly exposed.

Yellow alert, although indicative of a moderate risk, should not be taken lightly: it signals floods capable of causing limited but significant damage locally.

A situation under control but uncertain

The Oise River regularly experiences episodes of flooding, especially during periods of sustained precipitation. If the current situation is closely monitored, it also reminds us of the importance of maintaining prevention infrastructure — such as dikes and retention basins — in order to minimize the impacts of future floods.

As winter temperatures set in, attention remains required to avoid any unnecessary risk-taking in the municipalities affected by this yellow alert.