On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the French island of Corsica was placed under an orange alert for rain and flooding, beginning at 10 PM and expected to last until at least midnight on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This alert was issued by Météo-France, which also warned that the island would face a yellow alert for winds on Thursday from 8 AM to midnight.
The weather service indicated that the precipitation, exacerbated by the influence of depression Hans, would intensify during the evening and continue throughout Thursday. According to Météo-France, "precipitations already in progress on Corsica will strengthen in the evening and persist throughout the day tomorrow, bringing significant accumulations on the west facade and the relief." The forecast predicted rainfall intensities could reach up to 20 mm per hour.
Expected rainfall amounts are staggering, particularly on the western slopes and mountainous areas, where totals could range from 100 to 130 mm over a wide area, with localized accumulations possibly hitting 160 to 180 mm on the ridges. Elsewhere, the forecast suggests generalized rainfall of 50 to 80 mm, with some areas potentially receiving up to 100 mm.
In addition to the alerts for Corsica, the Savoie region in the French Alps was also placed under an orange alert for avalanche risks starting at 8 PM on the same day. This warning was prompted by significant snowfall expected across the Alps, particularly near the Italian border in Haute-Maurienne and Haute-Tarentaise. Météo-France reported that snowfall accumulations in these areas could exceed 1.5 to 2 meters, creating a very high risk of avalanches.
As the weather conditions deteriorate, Météo-France has urged the public to exercise caution. They advised, "Be attentive if you engage in activities sensitive to weather risks or near a coastline or watercourse." The agency highlighted that while these weather phenomena are typical for the region, they can be locally dangerous, citing examples like floods and strong waves that could submerge coastal areas.
The forecast for the Savoie region indicates that significant snowfall would start on Wednesday and continue until Thursday midday, generally falling as snow above 1300 to 2000 meters. Météo-France noted that the most substantial accumulations would occur along the Italian border, particularly emphasizing the risk of avalanches in the mountainous areas.
As conditions evolve, the prefecture of Savoie has called for heightened vigilance during mountain activities. They warned that substantial avalanches could threaten mountain infrastructures or high-altitude shelters. The bulletin from Météo-France added that some of these large avalanches might descend to lower altitudes, potentially impacting higher roads.
With such severe weather conditions on the horizon, local authorities and meteorological services are doing their utmost to keep the public informed. Residents and visitors in both Corsica and Savoie are advised to stay updated on the situation and adhere to safety guidelines.
In summary, the concurrent weather alerts across Corsica and Savoie highlight the complexities of weather patterns in France during this time of year. The combination of heavy rain in Corsica and significant snowfall in the Alps underscores the need for preparedness and caution in the face of potential natural hazards.
