Storm Leonardo set to impact France in next few days

Heavy rain is forecast in some parts of southern France from tomorrow (February 4) as it sits on the fringes of Storm Leonardo.

The storm is set to hang over north-western Spain until the end of the week, and bring “exceptionally persistent” rainfall to certain regions of Andalusia according to Aemet, Spain's state weather agency. 

While France should be less exposed to the storm, warm, humid air and heavy rain is expected around the Mediterranean and in the Cévennes, says state forecaster, Météo France.

This follows the passage of a low-pressure system along the Atlantic coast yesterday (February 2), causing heavy rain and strong winds in the southern half of the country.

The Gironde department remains under orange alert for flooding, with several of the southern departments on low level (yellow) alert. 

Ongoing episodes of heavy rainfall on waterlogged soil significantly increases the risk of rapid flooding, however upgraded flood warnings for the coming days have not yet been issued.