Flood and avalanche warnings for two west France departments

Two departments in western France have been placed on orange alert for possible floods and avalanches after numerous snowfalls and heavy showers.

Landes has been placed on orange alert for floods and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques on orange alert for floods and avalanches. Both departments are in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

The alert was announced by French forecaster Météo France on Wednesday and has been renewed today to remain in place until Saturday (December 12) at 06:00.

Météo France says of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department:

“Avalanches of wet snow may again occur at the end of the night (Friday) and the next morning...Some avalanches may therefore still threaten mountain roads, particularly in the Pourtalet/Somport areas, as well as mountain infrastructures.”

The orange alert level is the second highest alert before red. Weather forecasters advise people living in orange alert zones to be very careful.

Météo-France suggests to keep up to date with developments and follow the safety advice issued by public authorities.

You can follow Météo-France’s updates on the weather warning here. You can also keep up to date of the situation via its Twitter page here.