Alert for storms in 15 south of France departments this afternoon

Yellow alerts for storms have been issued for 15 departments in the south of France today, with residents advised to be vigilant due to the poor weather conditions.

There are four levels of weather alert in France: green (no vigilance needed), yellow (be vigilant), orange (be very vigilant) and red (total vigilance).

The departments on yellow alert are: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Ariège, Bouches-du-Rhône, Corse-du-Sud, Drôme, Hautes-Alpes, Haute-Corse, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Isère, Pyrénées-Orientales, Savoie, Var, Vaucluse.

Storms are also forecast in Andorra.

After a calm morning, weather conditions will start to worsen at midday with storms continuing until midnight, before moving east towards Italy.

Rain, thunder, hail and possible flooding are expected.

The Var prefecture has issued the following advice to inhabitants:

• Stay at home if possible
• Close your windows and shutters
• Park your vehicles in a secure place
• Make sure your pets are safe
• Be wary of slippery conditions on roads

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