Warning for Brittany departments over dangerous waves

The departments of Finistère and Morbihan are under an orange weather alert today (November 24) because of the danger posed by a powerful swell and large waves hitting the local coastline.

National forecaster Météo France has called for “very close attention” to beach and sea conditions, as strong winds make for large waves throughout the day.

In Finistère and Morbihan, “the combination of a strong swell and high sea levels could lead to submersions [...] especially at high tide,” or between 15:00 and 18:00, when the orange alert will apply.

A yellow alert is in place for the rest of the day, concerning the whole western coastline of France, with most of the departments on this side also affected by yellow storm and/or wind alerts.

The swell will begin to calm overnight.

Do I need to do anything?

Today’s sea conditions will result in powerful waves hitting the coastline of western France, which may throw objects such as stones or driftwood up onto land.

High sea levels may disrupt road and rail traffic travelling close to the shore, and at high tide estuaries will also have very high water levels which may result in flooding.

People living close to the Finistère and Morbihan coastlines are advised not to enter the sea and to keep away from beaches and estuaries.

If they live very close to the sea or a river, they should secure any possessions which could be washed away in the event of flooding.

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