France: Storm alerts in center-east June 14

Event

The French meteorological agency (Météo France) has issued orange alerts - the second-highest on a four point scale - for 12 departments in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (center-east) for Wednesday, June 14. The alerts concern the departments of Ain, Allier, Ardèche, Cantal, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie, where thunderstorms, violent wind, and heavy rain are forecasted. The storms are expected to begin around noon (local time) and end by 20:00.

Transport disruptions (air, rail, road) due to flooding or debris blocking roads or tracks are possible. Localized power outages may also occur.

Context

The central-eastern departments, in particular Loire and Haute-Loire, were already hit by flooding on June 13; one farmer has been reported missing in the Loire department.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather forecasts and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.