Météo-France has issued an orange alert for eight departments in the east and southeast of France, as they brace for severe thunderstorms. This weather warning marks what is being described as a “Mediterranean episode,” expected to bring violent storms and extremely heavy rainfall. The departments of Gard and Ardèche are also under an orange warning for rain and flood risks.
The alert comes into effect on Sunday, August 31st, and will initially affect the department of Nièvre from 3 PM. This will be followed at 4 PM by the Allier, Côte-d’Or, Puy-de-Dôme, and Saône-et-Loire. Additionally, Ardèche, Gard, and Lozère are expected to reach warning status by 10 PM.
Météo-France forecasts that the Mediterranean weather conditions, known for severe thunderstorm activity, could persist through the morning of Monday, September 1st. Alongside Gard and Ardèche, neighboring departments including Drôme, Vaucluse, and Bouches-du-Rhône will also be put under the orange alert for both storms and potential flooding starting midnight.
While the warnings for the eastern departments are expected to lift by 10 PM Sunday, those in the southeast are projected to remain in place until 10 AM Monday. However, meteorologists warn there could be a further extension of these alerts, particularly into areas further east, as the weather system continues its course.
For continuous updates, residents are advised to stay tuned to Météo-France and local news outlets to monitor the evolving situation.
