11 Mar 2022 | 06:05 PM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across northwest, central, and southern regions through at least March 14
Severe weather forecast across parts of France through at least March 14. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across parts of northwestern, central, and southern France through at least March 14.
As of March 11, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the affected areas:
Orange rain-flood warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Aude and Herault departments in Occitanie Region.
Yellow rain-flood warnings: Finistere and Morbihan departments in Brittany Region; Correze Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine; Aveyron, Gard, Lot, Lozere, Pyrenees-Orientales, and Tarn departments in Occitanie Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne departments in Nouvelle-Acquitaine Region.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Cote-d'Or and Saone-et-Loire departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Ain, Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire, Isere, Loire, Puy-de-Dome, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Bouches-du-Rhone and Var departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region; Cotes d'Amor, Finistere, and Morbihan departments in Brittany Region.
Yellow snowfall warnings: Ardeche Department in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Lozere Department in Occitanie Region.
Yellow avalanche warnings: Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department in Nouvelle Acquitaine Region; Ariege, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees, and Pyrenees-Orientales departments in Occitanie Region.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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 stormwater drainage systems, as well as areas without 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 rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Precipitation could fall as snow at higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages. Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
