France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Oct. 18 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across much of France through at least Oct. 18. A weather system over the country is expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to many areas over the coming days, with the worst of the severe weather likely in southern, south-central, and southeastern regions. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Some southern areas may see rainfall totals of 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) over the coming days, with localized higher amounts possible. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country Oct. 17-18:

Oct. 17

• Red rain-flood warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Ardeche Department.

• Red flood warnings: Parts of the Lignon du Velay River in Haute-Loire Department.

• Orange rain-flood warnings: Alpes-Maritimes, Ariege, Aveyron, Correze, Dordogne, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Haute-Loire, Hautes-Pyrenees, Loire, Lot, Lozere, Pyrenees-Atalntiques, Rhone, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Var departments.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Alpes-Maritimes, Aude, Aveyron, Gard, Herault, Lozere, Tarn, and Var departments.

• Orange and yellow flood warnings: Several river basins across northern, southern, south-central, and western France.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Across much of central and southern France.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of central, eastern, and southern mainland France and Corsica.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Ariege, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees, Landes, and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Across the northwestern and western coasts and the coast of Herault Department in southeastern France.

Oct. 18

• Red flood warnings: Parts of the Lignon du Velay River in Haute-Loire Department.

• Orange rain-flood warnings: Alpes-Maritimes, Ariege, Correze, Dordogne, Haute-Garonne, Lot, Pyrenees-Atalntiques, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Var departments.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments.

• Orange and yellow flood warnings: Several river basins across northern, southern, south-central, and western France.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Across much of central and parts of central, east-central, and north-central France.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes departments.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Across the northwestern and western coasts.

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.