France: Red alerts for flooding in effect in Cote d'Or, Indre-et-Loire, and Yonne departments through at least April 2 /update 1

Red alerts for flooding are in effect for Cote d'Or, Indre-et-Loire, and Yonne departments through at least April 2 following heavy rains in the area. Authorities are warning that rising water levels in the Creuse, Gartempe, and Ouche basins could cause significant flooding in some areas. Authorities ended the red alert flood warning for the Vienne department on April 1. In Indre-et-Loire, officials evacuated around 100 people from L'lle-Bouchard late March 30. At least 16 roads in Indre-et-Loire and 10 in Vienne have been cut by floodwaters.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.