Storm and heavy rain alert for nine French departments

They are the Ardèche, Drôme, Haute-Loire, Loire, Isère, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Ain and the Rhône. Violent storms are expected this afternoon and this evening in these areas.

There could also be heavy hail and wind gusts of 80-100kph, says Météo-France. The storms may bring heavy rain - up to 30mm in less than an hour.

The situation is expected to calm down around 3:00 tomorrow and the alert is in place until tomorrow, Thursday 2, 6:00.