Storm Benjamin Batters France with Winds Up to 130 km/h, 18 Departments on Orange Alert

Storm Benjamin Makes Landfall Across France

Storm Benjamin has arrived in France, bringing with it violent gusts of wind and heavy rainfall, prompting Météo-France to issue an orange vigilance alert for 18 departments across the country. The storm's effects began on Wednesday evening, October 22, 2025, with its peak intensity expected throughout Thursday, October 23, 2025, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. .

Gusts of wind are forecast to reach up to 130 km/h along the Atlantic coast and the English Channel, with inland areas experiencing speeds of 90 to 110 km/h . In particularly exposed locations, such as parts of Corsica, gusts could even hit 140 to 150 km/h . The storm originates from a rapidly deepening depression between France and England, fueled by a powerful jet stream .

Widespread Alerts and Anticipated Disruptions

The 18 departments under orange vigilance are facing multiple threats, including violent winds, coastal submersion, and rain-flooding. Departments specifically alerted for violent winds include:

• Nord
• Pas-de-Calais
• Somme
• Manche
• Vendée
• Deux-Sèvres
• Charente
• Charente-Maritime
• Gironde
• Landes
• Pyrénées-Atlantiques
• Aude
• Pyrénées-Orientales
• Puy-de-Dôme
• Haute-Corse
• Corse-du-Sud

Additionally, the Seine-Maritime, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques departments are under orange vigilance for coastal submersion due to strong waves and a temporary rise in sea level . The department of Corrèze has been placed under orange vigilance for rain-flooding .

Potential Impacts and Safety Advice

Authorities warn of significant potential impacts from Storm Benjamin. These include:

• Risk of power cuts
• Disruptions to travel, affecting road, rail, and air services
• Damage to roofs and falling objects
• Large waves and marine submersion along coastal areas

Public parks in cities like Nantes have been closed, and the Pont de Saint-Nazaire is temporarily shut down . Météo-France advises residents to limit travel, secure loose outdoor items, avoid coastal areas, and stay informed through official updates . The storm is expected to gradually weaken overnight into Friday, October 24, 2025 .