21 Nov 2022 | 01:52 PM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across western and southern regions through at least Nov. 23
Severe weather forecast across parts of western and southern France through Nov. 23. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, rough seas, and possible flooding are forecast across parts of western and southern France, as well as Corsica, through at least Nov. 23. A weather disturbance is forecast to pass west to east over the country from Nov. 21, bringing heavy downpours, strong wind gusts. and thunderstorm activity.
As of Nov. 21, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the affected areas:
Orange rain-flood warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
Yellow rain-flood warnings: Across Corsica, Landes Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and Ariege, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees departments in Occitanie Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Corsica, Cotes-d'Armor and Finistere departments in Brittany Region, Manche Department in Normandy Region, and Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
Yellow flood Warnings: Landes and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Across Corsica, Cotes-d'Armor, Finistere, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Morbihan departments in Brittany Region, Manche Department in Normandy Region, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sevres, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, and Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, and Vendee departments in Pays de la Loire Region.
Yellow rough sea warnings: Across the western and northwestern coastline of mainland France.
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. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Atlantic coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. 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.
