29 Oct 2018 | 11:30 PM UTC
France: Severe weather in Corsica October 29 /update 2
Severe weather forces flight cancelations in Corsica October 29; associated transportation disruptions expected to persist
Event
Weather officials at Météo-France issued a Red weather alert in Corsica on Monday, October 29, due to high winds, severe rains, and dangerous surf. Authorities suspended operations at ports beginning at 13:00 (local time) and canceled all flights at all four airports on the island, including Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA), Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA), Calvi-Sainte Catherine Airport (CLY), and Figari-Saud Corse Airport (FSC). As many as 300 people were evacuated from vacation sites in Vico (Corse-du-Sud department), and up to 16,500 were without power by the evening hours. Weather stations along the coast in Corsica recorded wind gusts of 120-150 km/h (75-100 mph) while localized rainfall totals reached 15-20 cm (6-8 in). The weather alert is in effect until 11:00 on Tuesday, October 30.
Advice
Individuals in the affected regions are advised to monitor local weather reports, prepare for continuing transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations), and avoid flood-prone areas. Keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
