Flooding alerts raised in southern France as powerful storms hit

Powerful storms in the south of France have led to the implementation of heightened weather alerts, with more rain and flooding expected this evening.

Tier-three orange alerts for heavy rain/flash flooding are in force in Hérault, Gard and in Corsica. 

While heightened alerts in mainland France are set to be lifted by midnight, orange warnings on the island are currently set to remain in place until tomorrow morning. 

Fierce storms have already brought intense rain to the Mediterranean this week, and up to 100mm is set to fall across today on top of what has already fallen this week. 

In some parts of Corsica, nearly 200mm could fall by the end of the day.

Flooding around Montpellier and in the Corsican town of Porto-Vecchio has been reported, with roads around the latter cut off. 

Residents in communes facing heightened alerts are advised to stay indoors where possible, and avoid heading outside into the floods. They should keep up to date with weather alerts, as the storms progress overnight. 

Drivers should avoid flooded roads, and only use vehicles if necessary, and check the state of roads they are planning to use through live maps.