Alert as storms headed for south-east and north-west France

France is experiencing an episode of rainy weather today (November 3) and a storm and possible flash floods are expected to hit southeastern areas this afternoon.

High winds are moving in along the Atlantic coastline, with gusts of 70-90km/h and above 100km/h in some areas.

Read more: Winds of up to 140km/h: Stormy episode to hit west France

Rainfall has been growing increasingly heavy over the Languedoc and Provence regions this morning, and is spreading across Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the Alps.

The whole PACA region is under a yellow warning for storms and the potential for flash flooding.

National forecaster Météo France has predicted that 20-40mm of rain will fall with 60mm in some places.

The Var prefecture has urged people to be “vigilant when out and about and to exercise caution when close to bodies of water,” as well as warning drivers never to start down an even partially flooded road.

However, Météo France has stated that this storm cannot currently be classed as a ‘Mediterranean episode’, which causes particularly intense rainfall in southern France.

The storm is expected to reach its peak this evening and continue overnight, although conditions will grow gradually calmer.

Areas of Brittany and Pays de la Loire are also under yellow storm warnings today, with weather conditions also expected to deteriorate in late afternoon.

In all, 93 departments are under yellow weather alerts today, with the west and north of France on a warning for high winds.

These alerts are set to remain in place throughout tonight and into tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about the alerts in place in your area through the Météo France website.

Do I need to do anything?

A yellow weather warning does not oblige residents to take any particular action, but rather encourages awareness and caution.

For example, if you need to go out, be vigilant as to the state of the roads and try to avoid forests and bodies of water.

Do not touch any electric cables that might fall to the ground, and secure any possessions which could be damaged by the storm.

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