24 Aug 2023 | 09:41 AM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Aug. 25
Severe weather forecast across much of mainland France through at least Aug. 25. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of mainland France through at least Aug. 25. Thunderstorms are forecast to break out across parts of the country amid an ongoing heatwave. The most severe storms are forecast in northern and western regions Aug. 24. Winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) and rainfall totals of 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) in the space of a few hours are possible during storms. Heavy downpours associated with the storms could trigger flooding in low-lying areas. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may also accompany storms.
Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country Aug. 24:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Across Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France, and Normandy regions and Eure-et-Loir, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher. and Loiret departments in Centre-Val de Loire Region and Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, and Sarthe departments in Pays de la Loire Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, Brittany, and Grand Est regions, the rest of Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire regions not under orange warnings, and Ain, Allier, Haute-Savoie, Isere, Loire, Puy-de-Dome, Rhone, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, much of Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region with the exception of Correze and Creuse departments, Ariege, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees, Pyrenees-Orientales, and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, and Hautes-Alpes in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.
Further yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across much of central, eastern, northern, and southwestern France Aug. 25. 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 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 may 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 and/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. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
