20 Oct 2022 | 12:14 PM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across multiple regions through at least Oct. 21
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast across much of France through at least Oct. 21. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are forecast across much of mainland France through at least Oct. 20. Thunderstorms are forecast to develop across parts of central France Oct. 20 and may bring heavy downpours and possible hail. The storms and showers are expected to persist over south-central regions into Oct. 21 and will spread into some southeastern and eastern regions.
As of Oct. 20, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across France:
Orange rain-flood warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Ardeche Department in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region.
Yellow rain-flood warnings: Drome Department in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region and Gard, Hautes-Pyrenees, Herault, and Lozere departments in Occitanie Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of the affected area, with the exception of far southern and northwestern regions.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Ain, Haute-Loire, Isere, Loire, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, Finistere and Morbihan departments in Brittany Region, Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, and Ariege, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees, and Pyrenees-Orientales Departments in Occitanie Region.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
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.
