France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least March 14

Event

Severe weather, including thunderstorms and strong winds, is forecast across mainland France through at least March 14. Thunderstorms are possible across much of southern, central, and northeastern France March 13-early March 14 and strong winds are expected across much of the country with the exception of the southeast. Heavy downpours associated with the storms could trigger flooding in low-lying areas. Avalanches are possible in eastern Alpine regions and rough seas are forecast across parts of the west coast.

As of early March 13, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Allier, Cantal, Loire, and Puy-de-Dome departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Cote-d'Or, Doubs, Haute-Saone, Jura, Nievre, Saone-et-Loire, and Territoire de Belfort departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Haute-Marne, Haute-Rhin, and Vosges departments in Grand Est Region; Correze department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; and Ariege, Aveyron, Haute-Garonne, Lot, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, Grand Est, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Occitanie regions, as well as across Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region and Cher and Indre departments in Centre-Val de Loire Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: For sections of the Aisne River in northeastern France and the Aveyron River in southern France, as well as several river catchments across western France.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of the country with the exception of southeastern regions.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Across Alpine regions in southeastern France.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Along parts of the northwestern and southwestern Atlantic coast.

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 in affected areas. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. 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. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas due to potential wind damage to power lines and other infrastructure.

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.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Atlantic coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Meteo France