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What is Storm Nils?
Storm Nils is a severe Atlantic weather system that has unleashed devastating winds, flooding, and snow across Southern France and Spain in February 2026, creating one of Europe's most significant weather emergencies this year. The storm has claimed at least one life, left approximately 850,000 households without electricity, and triggered widespread evacuations and transportation disruptions across the Iberian Peninsula and Pyrenees region.
Storm Nils Emergency: Current Situation and Impacts
As of February 12, 2026, Storm Nils continues to batter Southern Europe with unprecedented intensity. The storm system has brought wind gusts reaching 160-180 km/h (100-112 mph) across affected regions, with the strongest recorded at 162 km/h in Biscarosse, France. The French national weather service Météo-France has issued red alerts—the highest warning level—for multiple departments including Aude, Pyrénées-Orientales, Gironde, and Dordogne.
Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
A truck driver was killed overnight in the Landes department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine when a tree branch fell on his vehicle during the storm. Another individual sustained serious injuries from a falling tree, according to French Interior Ministry reports. The storm has caused extensive infrastructure damage, with fallen trees blocking roads, structural damage to buildings including a service station roof blown off, and widespread power outages affecting nearly one million homes.
'This represents the latest chapter in Europe's most severe weather crisis in living memory,' noted meteorologists tracking the European winter storm patterns affecting multiple countries simultaneously.
Power Outages and Transportation Disruptions
French electricity network operator Enedis reported approximately 850,000 households without power, with the worst affected regions being Nouvelle-Aquitaine (485,000 homes) and Occitanie (318,000 homes). Train services have been severely disrupted, with cancellations affecting Paris-southwest routes and regional services. In Spain, Barcelona's El Prat airport cancelled 30 flight operations and diverted four flights, while Catalonia suspended all educational activities—a first-ever measure for a windstorm in the region.
Regional Impacts Across Southern Europe
France: Red Alerts and Evacuations
Five French departments remain on red alert as Storm Nils continues its path. Schools in Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude have been closed as a precautionary measure. Flooding has become severe in areas like La Réole, where streets are submerged, prompting evacuations. The Garonne River is expected to reach levels matching the January 2022 floods, with red flood alerts issued for Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne.
Spain: Unprecedented Emergency Measures
Spain has implemented extraordinary measures in response to Storm Nils. Catalonia suspended all school, university, sports, and non-urgent healthcare activities—the first time such comprehensive measures have been taken for a windstorm. Emergency services responded to 290 calls for fallen trees and debris in the region alone. Approximately 3,180 people were evacuated in Andalucia due to flood risks, down from 11,500 earlier in the week.
Portugal: Continuing Crisis
Portugal continues to grapple with the aftermath of previous storms, with the country's interior minister resigning amid criticism of the government's crisis response. The death toll from ongoing severe weather in Portugal has reached eleven, with infrastructure damage including a breached levee causing the collapse of a section of the A1 motorway near Coimbra.
Climate Context and Weather Patterns
Storm Nils represents the eighth major weather event to hit Europe in 2026, following a pattern of increasingly severe storms that began in late December 2025. Meteorologists note that January 2026 was confirmed as the hottest month in recorded history, highlighting the complex impacts of climate change on European weather patterns. The Atlantic storm systems affecting Western Europe have become more frequent and intense in recent years, with scientists linking this trend to warming ocean temperatures.
'Residents in affected areas should stay indoors, avoid flooded roads, and prepare for extended power outages,' advised French emergency services, noting that recovery efforts may take several days as the storm system moves toward the Gulf of Lion and Corsica.
Safety Recommendations and Emergency Response
Authorities across affected regions have issued specific safety guidelines:
- Stay indoors during peak wind periods
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
- Keep windows and doors closed securely
- Follow evacuation orders immediately
- Monitor official weather alerts and updates
Emergency services are operating at capacity across Southern Europe, with cross-border disaster response teams coordinating efforts between France, Spain, and Portugal. The economic impact of Storm Nils and related weather events is estimated to reach billions of euros, affecting agriculture, transportation, and energy infrastructure throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What areas are most affected by Storm Nils?
Southern France (particularly Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie regions) and northeastern Spain (especially Catalonia) are experiencing the most severe impacts, with red alerts in multiple departments and regions.
How long will Storm Nils last?
Meteorologists expect Storm Nils to subside by Thursday evening as it moves toward the Gulf of Lion and Corsica, though another storm named Oriana is forecast to follow on Friday and Saturday.
What should residents in affected areas do?
Residents should stay indoors, avoid flooded roads, secure outdoor objects, follow official evacuation orders, and prepare for potential extended power outages lasting several days.
How does Storm Nils compare to previous storms?
Storm Nils is among the most severe weather events of 2026, with wind speeds exceeding 160 km/h and affecting multiple countries simultaneously, similar to the 2025 European winter storms that caused widespread damage.
Are there travel restrictions in place?
Yes, multiple regions have implemented travel restrictions, including speed limits on highways, cancelled train services, and suspended flights at major airports including Barcelona-El Prat.
Sources
Euronews Storm Coverage
Connexion France Report
EuroWeekly News Update
Planet News Analysis
