France: Adverse weather forecast across northern and western regions through at least Nov. 7

Adverse weather is forecast to continue to impact parts of northern and western France through at least Nov. 7. River levels remain high across the affected areas following the passing of successive storm systems in recent days and further showers and storms are forecast in the region, which will likely exacerbate the situation. Storm Ciaran hit northwestern regions late Nov. 1-2, bringing record-breaking winds and heavy rainfall, which caused two fatalities and severe damage in parts of Brittany and Normandy. A second less powerful storm system named Domingos passed further to the south over western France late Nov. 4-5. As of early Nov. 6, around 93,000 homes remain without power across Brittany and Normandy regions and around 33,000 in parts of western France, including Gironde and Vendee departments.

As of Nov. 6, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange rain/flood warnings (middle tier on a three-tier scale): Pas-de-Calais Department in Hauts-de-France Region.

• Orange and yellow flood warnings: Across several river basins in parts of northern and western France.

• Yellow rain/flood warnings: Nord Department in Hauts-de-France Region, Manche Department in Normandy Region, and Gironde and Landes departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Cotes-d'Armor, Finistere, and Morbihan departments in Brittany Region, Pas-de-Calais Department in Hauts-de-France Region, Calvados and Manche departments in Normandy Region, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sevres, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrenees-Atalntiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, and Loire-Atlantique and Vendee departments in Pays de la Loire Region.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrenees-Atalntiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: The coasts of Landes and Pyrenees-Atalntiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

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.

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.