Storm Benjamin Leaves 11 Regions on Alert, Cuts Power to 140,000 Homes
On October 23, 2025, Storm Benjamin impacted a large portion of France, leading to heightened alerts and widespread power outages. The storm brought severe winds and heavy rain, particularly affecting coastal areas along the Atlantic and the English Channel.
Storm Benjamin Triggers Alerts Across 11 Regions
Météo-France issued orange alerts for violent winds, flooding rain, and high waves across 11 departments. This warning was still in effect at 2 PM on the same day. The regions under warning included:
- Nord
- Pas-de-Calais
- Somme
- Aude
- Pyrénées-Orientales
- Alpes-Maritimes
- Two Corsican departments
Alerts were lifted for several areas including Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Charente-Maritime, Charente, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Corrèze and Cantal remained under orange alert due to flooding rain, while Seine-Maritime was warned about high waves.
Impact of the Storm
At least three individuals sustained minor injuries in Royan when a tree fell on their car. These injuries were described as “extremely light,” and none required hospitalization. Additionally, a bus driver and a firefighter were also slightly injured due to falling debris.
Enedis reported that more than 140,000 homes were without electricity on Thursday morning, particularly affecting:
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine: 40,000 homes
- Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: 15,000 homes
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: 35,000 homes
- Occitanie: 15,000 homes
Wind Speeds and Weather Conditions
Wind gusts reached alarming speeds in several locations, including:
- 116 km/h in Sainte-Marie-des-Monts (Manche)
- 119 km/h in Vernines (Puy-de-Dôme)
- 142 km/h in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines (Charente-Maritime)
- 132 km/h in Cap-Ferret
- 94 km/h in Bordeaux and Mérignac
The Tramontane wind is expected to intensify in Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales, with gusts potentially reaching 160 to 170 km/h on Cap Corse later in the day. These strong winds are predicted to subside by the following night.
Civic Precautions and Restrictions
Biarritz officials urged residents to exercise caution due to the dangerous surf conditions expected later in the day. To mitigate the impact of the high waves, large sand-filled “big bags” were placed on the city’s main beach. Access to beaches in Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hendaye was also restricted.
In terms of rainfall, Corrèze and Cantal experienced significant amounts, with totals reaching up to 80 mm and peaks over 100 mm in mountainous regions. However, the intensity of the precipitation is expected to lower later in the day.
One of the notable responses from the authorities included the closure of gardens and cemeteries in Bordeaux, and the postponement of a planned fair in the city.
The SNCF also announced suspensions of train services on certain TER lines while reducing speed limits on others, although high-speed trains continued to operate.
