23 Oct 2023 | 09:50 AM UTC
France: Adverse weather forecast across central, eastern, and southern regions through at least early Oct. 25
Severe weather forecast across parts of France through at least early Oct. 25. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of central, eastern, and southern France through at least early Oct. 25. Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall are forecast across much of the affected area, with the most severe weather expected in eastern regions late Oct. 23-early Oct. 24. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may also accompany storms. Rainfall totals of up to 10 cm (4 inches) are possible in areas with the heaviest downpours.
Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country Oct. 23:
Orange rain/flood warnings (middle tier on a three-tier scale): Ain, Ardeche, Drome, and Isere departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region and Jura Department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region.
Yellow rain/flood warnings: Rhone Department in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, Doubs, and Territoire de Belfort departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region, and Gard, Herault, and Lozere departments in Occitanie Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Ain, Allier, Ardeche, Cantal, Drome, Haute-Loire, Isere, Loire, Puy-de-Dome, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Cote-d'Or, Doubs, Haute-Saone, Jura, Nievre, Saone-et-Loire and Yonne departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Cher and Indre departments in Centre-Val de Loire Region; Aube, Haute-Marne, and Vosges departments in Grand Est Region; Correze, Creuse, Dordogne, Gironde, Haute-Vienne, Landes, and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; and Aveyron, Gard, Herault, Lot, Lozere. Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Allier, Ardeche, Cantal Drome, Haute-Loire, Isere, Loire, Puy-de-Dome, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Saone-et-Loire Department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Correze and Creuse departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; and Ariege, Aude, Aveyron, Haute-Garonne, Lot, Lozere, Pyrenees-Orientales, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region.
Further orange and yellow rain/flood and thunderstorm warnings are in place across parts of eastern and southeastern France Oct. 24, including Corsica. Officials could update and possibly 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 rainfall 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 possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
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.
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.
