Parts of France are facing violent storms and significant rainfall this weekend, especially as the severe weather system, referred to as storm Jana, has cascaded down from the Pyrenees. Over the weekend of March 8-9, 2025, southern regions experienced intense winds and sporadic thunderstorms, prompting Météo France to issue numerous weather alerts across multiple departments.
On March 9, storm conditions increased along the Pyrenees, and as forecasted, on March 10, those thunderstorms will move northward, impacting additional areas. According to Météo France's bulletin issued at 4 PM on March 9, yellow storm warnings have been activated across 25 departments, from Hautes-Pyrénées to Côte-d’Or. This advance indicates severe atmospheric disturbances manifesting as thunderstorms and subsequent heavy precipitation.
The departments currently under yellow alert for storms include: Allier, Ardèche, Ariège, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Cantal, Cher, Corrèze, Côte-d'Or, Creuse, Drôme, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Hérault, Indre, Isère, Loire, Haute-Loire, Lot, Nièvre, Puy-de-Dôme, Hautes-Pyrénées, Rhône, Saône-et-Loire, and Vaucluse. Many areas are anticipated to receive significant rainfall, with reports of localized storms and potential flooding.
Further compounding the situation, Météo France also declared yellow flood alerts on March 10 for ten departments, stating, "les niveaux de la Somme restent toujours élevés, avec des débordements localisés.” These alerts particularly affect Aisne, Oise, and Somme, where localized overflow has already become evident. The weak flood condition formed on the Oise two weeks ago continues its movement downstream, raising concerns.
Meanwhile, Corsica has not escaped this weather turmoil either. On March 9, 2025, the island was placed on yellow storm alert from 5 PM to midnight, bracing for significant precipitation amounts—up to 10 millimeters—expected on the eastern plain of Haute-Corse. According to Météo France, the weather conditions on the island are severe, transitioning unexpectedly from sunny spells to heavy showers, especially along the eastern coast.
Looking south, the department of Aude remains under yellow alert as rain and wind from the storm continue to pound the area. The region recorded significant rainfall on March 9, indicative of the intense weather system's reach, with Narbonne measuring 27.1 mm. Communities are advised to take extra precautions; Narbonne even took the step of temporarily closing parks and gardens due to the hazardous conditions.
Many major roads have also faced temporary closures due to fallen debris, particularly on the route from Narbonne to Narbonne-Plage, where reports confirmed tree falls obstructing traffic.
Experts advise caution for those engaging in outdoor activities, especially near bodies of water, as both rising tides and storm-related phenomena are being monitored closely. Authorities are calling attention to the potential risks posed during this stormy period, highlighting safety measures for individuals involved with outdoor sports or work.
The anticipation of storms continues through the week, as specialists from Keraunos, who focus on thunderstorm phenomena, confirmed on March 10, 2025, the likelihood of localized storms persisting, primarily near the Massif-Central region. "This depression will draw colder air aloft, triggering not only showers but also localized storms throughout the week," they noted.
While many parts of France prepare for the aftermath of current storm warnings, the extent of future weather predictions remains uncertain. Meteorologists remain vigilant, and public safety is the priority as communities work to navigate these tumultuous conditions.
For those affected by the recent storms, remaining aware of weather updates and adhering to local advisories will be imperative as this period of instability is expected to persist, with stormy weather likely extending beyond March.