33 departments on storm alert

Central belt from north-east down to the Pyrenees faces violent storms, heavy rain and hail later today

METEO France has issued a weather warning for 33 departments in France, where violent storms, heavy rain and hail are expected today.

The departments are on orange alert - the second-highest level out of four.

The affected region spans from Alsace and Champagne down through the Bourgogne, Auvergne, Limousin and Midi-Pyrénées.

Storms will develop throughout the day, getting worse this afternoon and evening. Winds of up to 100kph are forecast and up to 60mm of rain in parts.

The alert is in place until 6.00 on Wednesday morning.

More info at Météo France website