France: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across northeastern parts of the country as of early Jan. 5

Authorities are maintaining flood warnings across parts of northeastern France as of early Jan. 5. Although rainfall levels have now eased and floodwaters are beginning to recede in some areas, the threat of flooding remains due to high river levels. As of early Jan. 5, Meteo-France has issued the following warnings across the affected area:

• Orange flood warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Pas-de-Calais and Nord departments in the Hauts-de-France Region as well as Ardennes and Meuse departments in the Grand Est Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: across the rest of the affected area.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

The Pas-de-Calais Department was still recovering from widespread flooding early November. Heavy rainfall Jan. 2-3 resulted in flooding in the Pas-de-Calais Department; authorities have confirmed that around 189 municipalities and 2,016 households have been affected. Authorities have evacuated 710 people across the department since Dec. 30. Around 500 people are without electricity, mainly in Audomarois, Calaisis, and Boulonnais areas. Another 2,100 people are under water restrictions in Rebreuve-Ranchicourt, Hermin, Caucourt, and Gauchin-Legal municipalities.

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 may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and 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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

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.