France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least May 3

Severe weather is forecast across much of France through at least May 3. A wave of strong thunderstorms are expected to impact northern and eastern parts of the country May 1-2; heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Showers are expected to move into western regions May 3.

Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country May 1:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (middle tier on a three-tier scale): Yonne Department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region, Aube and Marne departments in the Grand Est Region, Aisne, Oise, and Somme departments in Hauts-de-France Region, and across Ile-de-France Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, Grand Est, and Hauts-de-France regions and the Ain, Ardeche, Drome, Isere, Loire, and Rhone departments in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, the Corsica, Eure, and Seine-Maritime departments in the Normandy Region, and the Pyrenees-Orientales Department in the Occitanie Region.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Across Centre-Val de Loire and Ile-de-France regions and Allier, Cantal, and Puy-du-Dome departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, Calvados, Eure, Orne, and Seine-Maritime departments in Normandy Region, Aveyron and Lozere departments in Occitanie Region, Sarthe Department in Pays de la Loire Region, and Hautes-Alpes in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Across southeastern Alpine regions and southern Pyrenean regions.

Further orange and yellow weather warnings are in place across eastern, northeastern, and southern France May 2. Officials could update, rescind, or extend the coverage of weather alerts as weather conditions change 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are probable where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather will likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities will probably temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts.

Localized business disruptions are likely 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.