ALERT: Storm and flood warnings for three departments in France

[Update 16:45, Only Drôme and Isère remain on level 2 orange alert with Ardèche now on a level 1 [be vigilant] yellow alert]

Ardèche, Drôme and Isère are on high alert for storms and flooding on Monday 18 September after much of France was buffeted by storms on Sunday night.

Meteo France has issued an orange weather alert for storms and flooding in the three departments.

Many departments are still on yellow alert as the storm that struck on Sunday night moves east.

The storm will continue to bring heavy rain across Ardèche, Isère and the north of Drôme, with up to 60mm rain forecast per hour, the majority of which will fall around midday.

70 to 100mm of rain is forecast generally across all three departments, with up to 200mm expected locally in some parts of Ardèche and Isère.

Météo France says that the storm should lose its intensity by evening, with rain, blustery wind and occasional hail forecast throughout the day.

Ardèche already saw heavy rain on Sunday night, with up to 50mm of rain falling on Lamastre and Cheylard within one hour.

Flooding can be expected locally in much of Ardèche as well as some communes in the north of Gard, according to France’s flood risk information service, Vigicrues.

What is the advice for areas on orange alert?

People in the departments on orange alert for storms and flooding are advised to:

• Stay away from trees and water courses
• Stay inside
• Keep informed and avoid travelling
• Make sure that loose items cannot blow away
• Avoid using electronic devices.

Storms are not uncommon in France at this time of year, however, with temperatures currently four degrees above the seasonal average, Meteo France says that the warm air has exacerbated the situation.

On Sunday September 17, 33 departments were on high alert for storms and flooding.

Related articles:

ALERT: Violent storms to hit France tonight, tornado seen in Normandy

Storms in France: what to do if at home, out walking or in car