14 Aug 2023 | 09:45 AM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across central, northeastern, and southwestern regions through at least Aug. 15
Severe weather forecast across parts of France through at least Aug. 15. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast across much of central, northeastern, and southwestern France through at least Aug. 15. Thunderstorms are forecast to be most intense across interior parts of the southwest, including eastern parts of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and northwestern Occitanie regions. Heavy downpours associated with the storms could trigger flooding in low-lying areas. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may also accompany storms.
As of Aug. 14, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Correze, Dordogne, and Lot-et-Garonne departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and Lot and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of the affected area.
Further orange and yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across much of the affected area Aug. 15. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in affected areas. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas due to potential wind damage to power lines and other infrastructure.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, 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.
The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst affected areas. Flooding 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 landslides, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair and/or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
