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04 Sep 2024 | 08:15 AM UTC

France: Adverse weather forecast across eastern and southern regions through at least Sept. 6

Severe weather forecast across eastern and southern France through at least Sept. 6. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.

Warning

Severe weather is forecast across parts of eastern and southern France through at least Sept. 6. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across the affected regions, with the most intense storms likely in far southeastern areas. Heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of Sept. 4, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

  • Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.

  • Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region; across Corsica; Ain, Ardeche, Drome, Haute-Loire, Haute-Savoie, Isere, Loire, Rhone, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region; Doubs, Jura, and Territoire de Belfort departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin departments in Grand Est Region, and Aveyron, Gard, Lozere, and Pyrenees-Orientales departments in Occitanie Region.

  • Yellow rain-flood warnings: Allier, Ardehce, Cantal, Drome, Haute-Loire, Loire, Puy-du-Dome, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region; Cote-d'Or, Nievre, Saone-et-Loire, and Yonne departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, and Vosges departments in Grand Est Region; Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; Ariege, Haute-Garonne, and Hautes-Pyrenees departments in Occitanie Region, and Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.

Further orange and yellow thunderstorm warnings and yellow rain-flood are in place over parts of the affected area Sept. 5. Officials could update and 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 rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks, disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible.

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.

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.