The Côte d'Azur and Corsica especially will see strong storms, wind, and rainfall, while the Massif Central will experience significant snowfall, with the rain-snow line growing lower in altitude.

An “orange” alert is the second-most severe, just one level down from “red”. It indicates that conditions may be dangerous. Residents should be alert to the consequences of bad weather, and prepare or change plans accordingly.

Locals in the affected departments are advised to avoid using electrical items outside, and tidy up all outside areas, to avoid storm damage.

Météo France also advises people against visiting wooded areas, as trees and branches may fall, and suggests that any construction or roofing work be postponed until after the alert.

Drivers should check road conditions before starting journeys and be alert to the risk of ice, snow, and flash flooding. Pedestrians and drivers should not go near the coast or beaches during a storm.

The full list of departments affected:

Snow and ice

Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Tarn (81), Aveyron (12), Cantal (15), Loire (42), Haute-Loire (43), Lozère (48), Puy-de-Dôme (63).

Rain and flooding

Alpes-Maritimes (06), Var (83), Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B).