France: Various weather warnings for southern and central departments through at least early March 11

Officials have issued several weather warnings for parts of southern and central France on March 10; these are active through early March 11. Orange flood warnings have been issued for the Alpes-Maritimes, Ardeche, Bouches-du-Rhone Charente-Maritime, Gard, Gironde, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Var, and Yonne departments; the Atlantic coast along the Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Landes and Pyrenees-Atlantiques have also received warnings for high tides. Various yellow warnings for avalanches, floods, storms, and high winds are also in place across much of the Atlantic coast, the southern half, and the central plateau. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

The winter weather could cause ground and air transport disruptions in the affected areas. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are likely on secondary and rural roadways. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous.

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.

Avalanches could block roads and railway tracks and cause damage to nearby infrastructure with little warning. Power outages could occur in affected areas due to power lines or other electricity supply infrastructure damage. Due to the heightened avalanche risk, authorities may close some mountain passes and other routes near unstable slopes as a precaution.