07 Sep 2022 | 11:43 AM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across multiple regions through at least Sept. 9 /update 1
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast across much of France through at least Sept. 9. Disruptions ongoing in parts of Occitanie Region.
Event
Thunderstorms and rainfall are forecast across much of mainland France through at least Sept. 9. Thunderstorms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms. Persistent rainy and stormy weather over the south of the country Sept. 7 is expected to be reinforced by another band of storms late Sept. 7. Further strong storms are also expected over the Rhone-Alpes region late Sept. 7. Showers are expected over western, central, and northern regions overnight Sept. 7-8 and more storms are forecast to break out across the northeast late Sept. 8. Scattered showers are forecast across much of the country Sept. 9, with isolated storms likely over the Cotentin Peninsula throughout the day before becoming more persistent over northeastern and some eastern regions late Sept. 9.
As of Sept. 7, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across France:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Ain, Ardeche, Drome, Haute-Loire, Isere, Loire, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Gard and Herault departments in Occitanie Region, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhone, Var, and Vaucluse departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.
Orange rain-flood warnings: Gard and Herault departments in Occitanie Region, and Bouches-du-Rhone and Vaucluse departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of the affected area not under orange thunderstorm warnings.
Yellow rain-flood warnings: Lozere Department in Occitanie Region, and Loire-Atalntique, Maine-et-Loire, and Vendee departments in Pays de la Loire Region.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Road closures and other transportation disruptions are ongoing in parts of Gard and Herault departments in Occitanie Region as of Sept. 7. Sections of departmental routes (RD) 13, 104, and 613 are closed in Gard department. In Herault Department some main axes in Montpellier have closed due to flooding and there have been delays reported on the city's tram network.
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. 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
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.
