Storm Kirk: Flooding in Yvelines, roads closed and transport halted

Hurricane Kirk left its mark on the western Paris region. The low-pressure system swept through the Yvelines region late into the night, bringing heavy downpours that turned the roads into veritable rivers. By 7pm, the Yvelines police prefecture had announced the closure of several roads in the worst-affected communes.

Flooding caused by storm Kirk continues to paralyze the Yvelines region this Thursday, October 10, 2024. Following the torrential rains of the previous night, several roads in the south of the département remain closed and traffic is difficult. The prefecture has announced major disruptions, particularly around Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse, Gazeran and Ablis, while the RN10 remains closed at Ablis in the Province-Paris direction.

The Préfet and the Conseil Départemental have decided to suspend school transport throughout the département this Thursday, October 10.

Intense rainfall across much of the region on Wednesday October 9 caused up to 90 millimeters of precipitation, the equivalent of more than a month's rain. Communes such as Rambouillet and Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse are particularly hard hit, with schools closed and transport suspended.

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Traffic is severely disrupted in several areas. Many roads remain impassable due to flooding. The RD113 road tunnel at Orgeval is closed due to the accumulation of water, causing major traffic jams in the area. In addition, the RER and buses are unable to serve certain parts of the département, notably around Versailles-Vélizy and Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse.

Sectors affected in Yvelines :

• RN10 closed at Ablis, Province-Paris direction
• Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse area: roads flooded, public transport suspended, schools closed
• Gazeran area: roads impassable
• Le Perray-en-Yvelines: roads impassable
• Ablis: roads flooded
• Versailles-Vélizy: public transport disruption
• RD113 road tunnel at Orgeval: closed due to water accumulation
• RER and buses in the Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse area: service disrupted

The prefecture reminds us that some public transport services are partially operational, while others have been completely suspended. The south of the department is the worst affected, with the floodwaters expected to recede in the afternoon. The authorities remain on alert, and motorists are advised to avoid the affected areas.