Thunderstorm warning as 12 French departments placed on orange alert

Twelve departments in the centre and north of France are on orange storm alert today (June 25) with heavy thunderstorms expected to strike later this afternoon between Auvergne, Burgundy, Champagne and Lorraine.

The departments are: Allier (03), Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Côte-d’Or (21), Loire (42), Marne (51), Haute-Marne (52), Meuse (55), Nièvre (58), Puy-de-Dôme (63), Saône-et-Loire (71) and Yonne (89).

National forecasting service Météo-France says that there could be heavy showers with 20 to 30mm of rain falling in a short time, as well as winds of up to 100km/h, hail and lightning.

Heavy thunderstorms warning for 12 eastern French departments

“This summer thunderstorm activity requires particular vigilance given the risk of violent weather events in areas that have already previously been badly impacted by storms,” Météo-France stated.

The north of France was hit by a series of storms in February this year, with one couple in Manche (Normandy) dying.

Read more: Two dead after Storms Eunice and Franklin hit France

Do I need to do anything in an orange alert zone?

People living in areas under the orange warning should stay away from bodies of water and shelter at home if possible.

Possessions which could be blown away or submerged should be secured.

Further information can be found on the Météo France website.

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