Many French departments on alert for high winds and flooding

Strong gales are forecast in the north, and many areas are in danger of local floods

Richard Henshell Richard Henshell
Published Modified

Many departments in France are facing weather alerts for flooding and strong winds, with 10 on alert today (December 26) and 14 tomorrow.

December 26: 10 departments on alert

10 departments on alert for local flooding on December 26 Pic: Météo France

Water courses may flood in up to 10 departments on December 26, continuing to December 27, despite no heavy rainfall forecast.

This is largely due to the high level of France’s groundwater.

December 27: 14 departments on alert

14 departments on alert on December 27, with high winds forecast in Brittany Pic: Météo France

Much of northern France is set to be buffeted by strong winds on December 27, with Brittany in particular affected.

Along the Channel coast, the gales could reach up to 95km/h in some places, resulting in waves up to 7m high.

Further inland, winds are expected to be less violent, reaching 65km/h.

The gales are forecast to begin in the morning and die down at around 22:00.

Read more:

Advice if home in France is damaged in storm - and what about cars?

french news alert

french news alert