Unheard of in 76 years in this department, the weather is getting wild

This Sunday, rainfall of rare intensity fell on this department. No less than 70 interventions linked to flooding were recorded by firefighters.

A real deluge. The Lyon region experienced an unprecedented rainy episode this Sunday, April 28, 2024. "The cumulative rainfall amounts to 86.7 mm since yesterday evening, including 62.4 mm this Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: this is a daily record of rain for the month of April, the old record was 55.9 mm on April 22, 1948" indicated La Chaîne Météo this Sunday on its X account (ex-Twitter). In total, the equivalent of a month and a half of rain fell in the Lyon basin this Sunday.

The Rhône firefighters had no less than 70 interventions linked to flooding. The A47 motorway between Lyon and Saint-Etienne was cut off to traffic near Givors. At the same time, in Irigny, the Vernières stream burst its banks, transforming the streets into torrents. A landslide even occurred and a family had to evacuate their home. Finally, a TER which was traveling between Firminy in the Loire and the Gare de Lyon Perrache derailed. No casualties were reported. According to Lyon Météo, more than 100 mm of rain has fallen in the city since Sunday morning.

Several rivers are affected by these floods. “Significant precipitation” was observed in the Gier, placed on yellow flood alert, indicates Vigicrues. Precipitation which causes a rise in river levels. “In the town of Lorette, where the river passes, the flow rate was impressive” indicates BFMTV. “Same observation in Simandres, where the stream passed over a bridge.” This Monday, April 29, 2024, the intensity of the rains is expected to be lower and the situation should improve from the East, as the day goes on.