On February 1, 2025, the French Riviera faced severe weather as heavy rain triggered widespread flooding, prompting emergency responses across several regions. The Alpes-Maritimes department was officially placed under orange alert for rain and flooding starting at 1:37 AM on the day of the incident, as reported by Météo France. This significant weather event required attentive monitoring due to its geographical impact, especially on coastal rivers.
Throughout the night, heavy rainfall caused river levels to rise alarmingly. Reports indicated substantial precipitation, with Valbonne receiving 63 mm and the Brague River basin recording between 50 to 80 mm. By the early hours of Saturday, total rainfall amounts had surged to between 60 and 80 mm, with localized areas even reaching between 100 and 120 mm. These conditions, coupled with saturated ground, raised concerns over potential river overflows.
The Préfet des Alpes-Maritimes issued preliminary alerts to the Centre Opérationnel Départemental (COD), which was prepared for activation should the situation worsen. State emergency services, on alert, were ready for immediate action as the weather demonstrated unpredictability.
Emergency interventions were mobilized almost immediately. The operational center of fire and rescue, known as CODIS, reported receiving over 700 calls during the crisis, indicating the overwhelming demand for assistance. Firefighters executed roughly twenty operations across various towns including Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes, Biot, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and Roquefort. Many of these responses involved clearing flooded roads and assisting residents trapped by rising waters.
Six individuals required evacuation due to threatening flood conditions, where homes and vehicles were at risk of inundation. Authorities noted the progress of interventions and reported stabilization as the night wore on, albeit with cautionary rhetoric from officials about residual runoff risks and soil vulnerability.
An overarching call for vigilance remained active throughout the region. Local authorities urged residents to limit travel and stay informed about dangerous areas. A series of safety recommendations were circulated, urging individuals not to traverse flooded roads, to seek higher ground, and to secure belongings prone to water damage.
Meanwhile, neighboring regions like Var also suffered from similar rainfall patterns, with varying amounts reported from 10 mm to 30 mm across twelve hours, and higher amounts reaching 50 mm around Tanneron. Generally, storms and showers were pervasive, even impacting areas typically less affected, raising alarms about road conditions and safety for drivers.
A steady rainfall pattern continued to harass the South of Var, where isolated thunderstorms remained possible throughout the night, warranting caution among the local populace.
By late evening, many residents were still under the influence of these severe weather advisories. Authorities reinforced their recommendations — to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain vigilant about the developing situation. They urged citizens to stay tuned to local media and official channels for real-time updates.
This multi-regional weather event exemplifies the vulnerabilities faced by communities along the French Riviera amid climate-induced changes, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and timely responses from local emergency services. While the immediate crisis appeared to stabilize, the risks of residual flooding remained prevalent. Ongoing weather forecasts suggested continued monitoring was necessary as this unpredictable climate suggests more weather disturbances could loom on the horizon.