France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Sept. 8 /update 1

Unstable weather conditions are forecast to affect much of France through at least Sept. 8. A weather system is expected to cause thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across many parts of the country Sept. 6, with the most intense storms likely in southwestern areas and into central regions. Rainfall totals of 5-6 cm (2-2.5 inches) are possible in far southwestern regions. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. A new weather front is forecast to move into western France Sept. 7, bringing further showers and storms to many areas, with the worst of the weather again expected in the southwest. Strong storms are expected to continue in southeastern regions Sept. 8. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings Sept. 6:

• Orange rain-flood warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Indre Department in Centre-Val de Loire Region; Correze, Creuse, Dordogne, Haute-Vienne, Landes, and Lot-et-Garonne departments in Nouvelle-Aquitainie Region, and Hautes-Pyrenees and Lot departments in Occitanie Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Indre Department in Centre-Val de Loire Region; Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments in Hauts-de-France Region; Correze, Creuse, Dordogne, Gironde, Haute-Vienne, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitainie Region, and Gers, Hautes-Pyrenees, Lot, and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: Isere and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region and Yonne Department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region.

Further orange and yellow rain-flood are in place over parts of south-central and southwestern France and yellow thunderstorm warnings across many areas of the country Sept. 7. 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.