10 Dec 2021 | 10:10 PM UTC
France: Inclement weather forecast across southern, eastern, and northern regions through at least Dec. 11 /update 2
Severe weather forecast across much of France through at least Dec. 11. Flooding and disruptions reported in southwestern regions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, snowfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across southern, eastern, and northern France through at least Dec. 11. Authorities have accordingly issued the following weather warnings as of Dec. 10:
Red flood warnings (i.e., the highest level on a four-tier scale): Landes and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in southern Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
Orange flood warnings (i.e., the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Gers and Hautes-Pyrenees departments in southwestern Occitanie Region.
Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Ariege, Haute-Garonne, and Hautes-Pyrenees departments in Occitanie Region and Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
Orange snow-ice and/or avalanche warnings: Haute-Savoie, Savoie, and Isere departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Ariege, Haute-Garonne, and Hautes-Pyrenees departments in Occitanie Region; Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
Yellow flood warnings (i.e., the third-highest level on a four-tier scale): Lot-et-Garonne Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; Ariege, Aude, Haute-Garonne, Pyrenees-Orientales, and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region; Val-d'Oise and Yvelines departments in Ile-de-France Region; Aisne, Nord, Oise, and Pas-de-Calais departments in Hauts-de-France Region; and Calvados, Eure, Manche, Orne, and Seine-Maritime departments in Normandy Region.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Landes Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; Tarn and Aude departments in Occitanie Region; and Nord Department in Hauts-de-France Region.
Yellow snow-ice and/or avalanche warnings: Across much of eastern, central, and southern France.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Severe flooding has reportedly affected Landes and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in southern Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region Dec. 10, inundating several roads and prompting evacuations.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems, as well as areas without drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages. Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
