Flood danger warning issued for west France

Weather alerts have been issued for the danger of floods in two departments in west France 

The high (orange) alert from the French weather service Météo France concerns the south of Charente-Maritime and the north of Gironde, which are at risk of flooding.

It comes as storms continue to hit the rest of the country.

Both departments have experienced persistent rain for several days, with a further 50 to 80mm forecast between Monday (May 20) night and Tuesday morning.

People in these areas are advised to avoid taking unnecessary risks, such as driving on submerged roads.

The majority of France’s 96 departments are on (yellow) alert due to the stormy weather.

Storms have been buffeting France since May 15, with a minor tornado sighted in the north and ‘red sprites’ in the skies over Nice on Sunday (May 19).

The unsettled weather is forecast to give way to warmer, more settled weather from Saturday (May 25), however rain will continue over much of France for the rest of the week.