France: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 12

Severe weather is forecast across much of mainland France through at least Dec. 12. A low-pressure system that has brought rainfall across many parts of the country in recent days will continue to bring in moisture from the Atlantic across the central strip of mainland France through at least early Dec. 12, with the heaviest precipitation likely in eastern Alpine regions. Many river levels remain high across the country and avalanches are possible in the Alps due to loosened snowpack. Strong winds are forecast in the far north of France and rough seas along the southwest coast Dec. 11. Isolated thunderstorms are possible in northwestern regions Dec. 12.

As of early Dec. 11, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange rain/flood warnings (middle tier on a three-tier scale): Haute-Savoie, Isere, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region.

• Orange flood warnings: Several river basins in western and far eastern France.

• Yellow rain/flood warnings: Ain, Cantal, and Puy-de-Dome departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region; Cote-d'Or, Doubs, Jura, Nievre, and Saone-et-Loire departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region; Cher and Indre departments in Centre-Val de Loire Region; Charente, Charente-Maritime, Correze, Creuse, Deux-Sevres, Dordogne, Gironde, Haute-Vienne, and Vienne departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region; Vendee Department in Pays de la Loire Region, and Hautes-Alpes Department in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: Many river basins across central, eastern, northern, and western France.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments in Hauts-de-France Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Haute-Savoie, Isere, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes departments in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Across parts of the southwestern Atlantic coast.

Officials could update, rescind, and possibly 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 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. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts.

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.