20 May 2022 | 08:29 AM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across northern, eastern, and southwestern regions May 20
Thunderstorms and strong winds forecast across parts of northern, eastern and southwestern France May 20. Disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast across much of northern France May 20, with strong winds also possible across parts of northeastern, eastern, and southwestern France. The thunderstorms in the north could be severe at times and may be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning, hail storms, and strong gusts of wind. Winds of up to 100 kph (62 mph) and intense downpours of 1-3 cm (0.4-1.1 inches) of rainfall per hour are possible in parts of the affected areas.
As of May 20, Meteo France has issued the following warnings across France:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Ardennes and Marne departments in Grand Est Region; Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, and Somme departments in Hauts-de-France Region; Essone, Hauts-de-Seine, Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Val-d'Oise, and Yvelines departments in Ile-de-France Region; and Eure and Seine-Maritime departments in Normandy Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of the rest of northern France, with the exception of central and western Brittany Region.
Yellow wind warnings: Ain, Drome, Isere, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone Alpes region; Saone-et Loire Department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, and Somme departments in Hauts-de-France Region; Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; and Hautes-Pyrenees Department in Occitanie Region.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across northern France. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding in parts of the affected area. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Strong winds could down power lines and cause power outages across the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
