France: Adverse weather forecast across southern regions through at least Oct. 17

Severe weather is forecast across much of southern France through at least Oct. 17. A weather system is expected to move into the region late Oct. 15 and bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the coming days. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Some areas may see rainfall totals of 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) through Oct. 17 and winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) are possible during storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

As of Oct. 15, Meteo France has issued yellow rain-flood, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings across parts of the region Oct. 15 and the following weather warnings across the affected area Oct. 16:

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

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of the rest of the affected area.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Ardeche, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhone, Hautes-Alpes, Hautes-Pyrenees, Herault, Var, and Vaucluse departments.

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

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Coastal areas of Herault Department.

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.