France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Sept. 22

Event

Severe weather is forecast across much of France through at least Sept. 22. Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall are forecast across much of mainland France Sept. 21, with the exception of some central, northeastern, and southern regions. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may also accompany storms. Rainfall totals of around 6-9 cm (2.4-3.5 inches) are possible in parts of east-central France Sept. 21, with localized higher amounts possible, as well as winds gusting up to around 70 kph (43 mph). Showers and storms are expected to linger in parts of the country Sept. 22, before conditions begin to improve.

Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country Sept. 21:

• Orange rain/flood warnings (middle tier on a three-tier scale): Ain, Ardeche, Drome, and Isere departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region.

• Yellow rain/flood warnings: Haute-Savoie, Rhone, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Cote-d'Or, Doubs, Jura, and Saone-et-Loire departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Ille-et-Vilaine Department in Brittany Region; Eure-et-Loire, Indre-et-Loire, and Loir-et-Cher departments in Centre-Val de Loire Region; across Hauts-de-France Region; across Ile-de-France Region; Calvados, Eure, Orne, and Seine-Maritime departments in Normandy Region; Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sevres, Dordogne, Gironde, Haute-Vienne, Landes, and Vienne departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; Gard Department in Occitanie Region; across Pays de la Loire Region; and Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Ain, Ardeche, Drome, Haute-Loire, Haute-Savoie, Isere, Loire, Rhone, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Cote-d'Or, Doubs, Haute-Saone, Jura, Saone-et-Loire and Territoire de Belfort departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; across Brittany Region; Bas-Rhin, Haute-Marne, Haut-Rhin, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, and Moselle departments in Grand Est Region; Calvados, Marne, and Orne departments in Normandy Region; Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sevres, Dordogne, Gironde, Haute-Vienne, Landes, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, and Vienne departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; Gard, Herault, and Lozere departments in Occitanie Region; across Pays de la Loire Region; and Alpes-Maritimes, Hautes-Alpes, Var, and Vaucluse departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Ain, Allier, Isere, Puy-de-Dome, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region and Jura and Saone-et-Loire departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region.

Further yellow flood, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings are in place across parts of eastern, southwestern, and western mainland France and Corsica through Sept. 22. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

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 or a lack of 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

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, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges 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 across the affected region. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

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.

Resources

Meteo France