Storm warning for 41 departments

VIOLENT storms are forecast today in 41 departments in the centre and east of France, including Paris.

Heavy rain and strong winds that arrived from the Atlantic coast last night will reach the capital later this afternoon, according to Météo France.

The weather alert applies from the Centre region up to the Belgian border and the Pas-de-Calais and is in place until 6.00 tomorrow morning. Check the Météo France site to see if your area is affected.

The forecaster is advising people to limit their travelling where possible and avoid using mobile phones outside if a storm is near.

Last weekend's heatwave alerts have been lifted, however in the south of France high pollution levels mean speed restrictions are in place on roads in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

The Bouches-du-Rhône has also banned petrol lawnmowers and any outside painting work to limit the fumes.