What is the location of the flooding?
As of October 24, 2025, Storm Benjamin, named by Météo-France, is sweeping across western Europe, bringing destructive winds and flooding. The storm has expanded its impact to include France, Ireland, northern Spain, and the United Kingdom.
In France, gusts have reached up to 161 km/h, leaving more than 140,000 homes without power, especially across Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Somme, Haute-Corse, and Corse-du-Sud. Ireland has issued 11-hour yellow rain warnings for Galway, Roscommon, and Longford, with rainfall exceeding 30 mm expected.
Spain’s northern coast has also reported coastal flooding and road closures (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The following regions have experienced flooding, power outages, and strong wind damage:
- France: Normandy coast, Brittany, Corsica, and Île-de-France (Paris region)
- Ireland: Counties Galway, Roscommon, and Longford
- Spain: San Sebastián (Basque Country)
- United Kingdom: Southern England (Kent, Sussex, East Anglia), Wales, and Yorkshire
In France, roads and beaches have closed, and trees were felled by severe winds. Ireland faces flooded roadways and travel warnings, while Spain’s Basque coast saw wave surges and coastal flooding. In the UK, dozens of flood alerts remain across England and Wales.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Emergency crews across France, Ireland, and the UK are working to contain flood impacts. In France, coastal parks and beaches have been closed, and rescue teams have assisted with evacuations in Normandy and Haute-Corse.
The UK Environment Agency maintains more than 15 active flood alerts, while Network Rail teams clear fallen debris and blocked drains to reopen routes.
The storm is moving inland, gradually weakening, though colder air and continued rain may worsen river flooding across northern France and eastern England (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
France remains under orange wind and flood alerts in at least six departments, including Normandy and Corsica, where local authorities have closed schools and public parks.
In Ireland, yellow warnings remain in effect for Galway, Roscommon, and Longford, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for localized flooding.
In the UK, flood alerts and Met Office yellow warnings for wind and rain continue across southern England and Wales. Residents are urged to stay indoors, monitor flood warnings, and prepare emergency plans (3).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
