23 Dec 2022 | 10:29 AM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across northwest, northern, and eastern regions through at least Dec. 24
Severe weather forecast across parts of France through at least Dec. 24. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, rough seas, and possible flooding are forecast across parts of northwestern, northern, and eastern France through at least Dec. 24, with avalanches also possible in some Alpine regions. A weather disturbance is forecast to cross the northern half of the country Dec. 23 and a separate system is expected to bring a mix and rain and snow to Alpine regions Dec. 23-24.
As of Dec. 24, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the affected areas:
Orange rain-flood warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region.
Yellow rain-flood warnings: Ain and Isere departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Doubs, Haute-Saone, Jura, and Territoire de Belfort departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Vosges Department in Grand Est Region; across Hauts-de-France Region; Seine-Maritime Department in Normandy Region, and Loire-Atlantique and Vendee departments in Pays de la Loire Region.
Yellow flood Warnings: Across several river catchments in eastern, northeastern, and northwestern France.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Cantal and Puy-de-Dome departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Cotes-d'Armor, Finistere, and Morbihan departments in Brittany Region; Haute-Corse Department in Corsica; across Grand Est Region; across Hauts-de-France Region; across Ile-de-France Region; Calvados, Eure, Manche, and Seine-Maritime departments in Normandy Region; Loire-Atlantique and Vendee departments in Pays de la Loire Region, and Alpes-Maritimes in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.
Yellow avalanche warnings: Haute-Savoie, Isere, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, and Hautes-Alpes Department in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.
Yellow rough sea warnings: Along the coasts of Finistere and Morbihan departments in Brittany Region; Pas-de-Calais Department in Hauts-de-France, and Loire-Atlantique and Vendee departments in Pays de la Loire 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.
