France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Oct. 10

Severe weather is forecast across much of France through at least Oct. 10. Two weather disturbances will bring unstable weather including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across much of the country Oct. 7-8 before post-tropical cyclone Kirk moves in from the Atlantic Ocean Oct. 9-10, bringing further showers, storms, and strong winds. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of Oct. 7, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange rain-flood warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Ardeche, Gard, and Lozere departments.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Correze, Cote-d'Or, Hautes-Alpes, Herault, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Haute-Marne, Haute-Saone, Saone-et-Loire, and Vosges departments.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of central, eastern, southern, southwestern, and western France and parts of northwestern France.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Ain, Ariege, Haute-Garonne, Haute-Loire, Hautes-Pyrenees, Isere, Loire, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, and Rhone departments.

Further orange and yellow weather warnings are in place across east-central, eastern, southern, and southeastern regions Oct. 8. Officials will likely 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.