Flood alert over thunderstorms

A WAVE of storms sweeping across France has sparked an orange weather alert in the Hérault, with residents warned of thunderstorms and heavy winds.

Météo-France says there is a high risk of flooding as a result of heavy rains in the Languedoc, Cévennes and the Rhône valley.

About 90 per cent of the country is on yellow storm alert, warning people to take care. Only the north-east is clear.

Wind speeds in Aquitaine and Charente during the day could reach 90kph although the storms should pass relatively quickly into the south-east, which will also face high seas.

Rain will be typical across the country, but brighter intervals should start in Brittany from mid-morning.

More info from Météo-France