Météo France alert for rain, storms and 120kph wind

The conditions have been caused by weather depression Leon, which has approached the Vendée on Sunday morning, which will cause storm conditions over le Nord-Aquitaine, the Centre, and Bourgogne, the forecaster said.

The wind level is likely to “affect human activity significantly”, Météo France said, and could cause problems on the roads, as well as with air traffic, train services and ferry crossings.

Damage could hit electricity and phone networks, the forecaster said. Residents are warned to be alert to falling trees or objects.

The alert is expected to last until 6h on Monday.

Winds of up to 120kph are expected, across the Vendée and Charente-Maritime, moving towards Poitou, then the Centre and the Massif Central, slowing to 95-105kph by the time the wind reaches Bourgogne.

The departments of Loire Atlantique and Maine et Loire may also see gusts of 100kph across the south.

The Pyrenees region - including the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, and Gers - may also see strong gusts.

Strong rain is also likely to affect the storm areas, with significant rainfall expected to hit by midday.