Flood risk as rain batters south-west

FOUR departments in the south-west corner of France have been placed on weather alert because of heavy rain and the risk of flooding.

The Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Ariège, Haute-Garonne and Hautes-Pyrénées are covered by the Météo France orange alert until 7.00 on Thursday morning.

The forecaster says rainfall levels are expected to be around 5cm at low altitude, 10cm in parts of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and up to 15cm of snow above 1,500m altitude.

A strong north-westerly wind will also cause choppy seas, with Météo France urging local residents to remain vigilant.

Localised flooding and burst river banks are likely, as are power cuts. Some roads and railway lines are at risk of being cut off.