Facing an "exceptional" Mediterranean weather episode, schools in the Gard and parts of the Hérault were closed. On Wednesday, September 30, Météo-France placed the two departments on red alert for "rain-floods," warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected first in the Cévennes and then spreading to the plains. The meteorological institute described the event as a "remarkable, even exceptional Mediterranean episode" due to the intensity of the rainfall and its widespread impact. In the Gard, the prefect decided to suspend all school transportation for the entire day, with the prefecture announcing that schools would be closed. In the Hérault, eight out of 14 school sectors had their schools closed, including areas around Montpellier, Ganges, and Sète. The prefect asked parents to keep children at home due to the risk of flooding and runoff, urging the public to avoid waterways and stay off submerged roads. Météo-France anticipated rainfall accumulations of up to 350mm in some areas, prompting the highest level of alert in the Gard and Hérault. The heavy rains and stationary thunderstorms created a very significant flood risk, with the population urged to limit movement and remain vigilant. Despite the intensity, damage has remained limited so far, and the red alert "rain-flood" was lifted by late Wednesday evening. However, the alert was downgraded to orange for the three departments, including the Bouches-du-Rhône, and will remain in effect until midday on Thursday. The stormy weather had moved eastward, affecting the Bouches-du-Rhône, while the eastern part of the Gard saw only minor rainfall compared to earlier in the day. In the Gard, the rainfall since Tuesday evening has been substantial, with at least 335mm recorded at Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort and 299mm at Colognac. This amount of rain is equivalent to "a bathtub per square meter," according to the prefect of the Gard, Fabienne Decottignies. Several rivers overflowed their banks, leading to road closures and the shutdown of several bridges. Rescue services in the Gard conducted multiple operations to assist people who ignored safety guidelines, such as a person trapped in a vehicle. In the Hérault, firefighters carried out 28 safety operations in areas including Montpellier and Lunel, and three campsites were evacuated preventively. Public transport in the Gard and Hérault was heavily disrupted. All bus and tram lines in the Montpellier metropolitan area were suspended, with no resumption of service until Thursday morning. Train traffic was also interrupted on the Marseille-Nîmes axis and the Marseille-Avignon-Sète-Nîmes axis, with the SNCF advising travelers to delay trips if possible. Despite the disruptions, schools in the two departments were expected to reopen on Thursday, with school transport resuming unless affected by the weather. Authorities warned that new measures could be taken if the weather deteriorated further, emphasizing the importance of safety for both people and property.