On Wednesday afternoon, torrential rains unleashed a deluge upon Marseille, causing significant flooding in various parts of the city, particularly at the Old Port. The sudden downpour, which brought between 50 to 70 mm of rain within a short period, created hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike, leading to waterlogged streets and disrupted travel.
Social media was flooded with images and videos depicting the chaotic scenes, as citizens waded through knee-deep water. The local authorities, including the Marseille marine firefighter battalion, reported no major emergencies despite the intense rainfall. However, Mayor Benoît Payan urged residents to exercise caution, announcing that the municipal services and firefighters were on high alert due to the ongoing orange alert for thunderstorms and potential flooding.
The Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture confirmed that the region would remain under orange alert until Thursday, forecasting an additional 30 to 50 mm of rainfall, with some areas possibly receiving up to 150 mm. The severe weather conditions were expected to bring thunderstorms, strong winds, and even hail, raising concerns about further flooding and damage.
In light of the adverse weather, the Delta Festival, a popular music event scheduled to take place at Prado beach, was forced to cancel its opening night. Organizers expressed their disappointment, citing safety concerns due to the severe storm. As the situation develops, residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and limit their movements until the storm passes.
