The south of France is bracing for severe weather as storms continue to batter the region. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Météo France has issued multiple weather alerts, particularly affecting Corsica and Provence, where residents are advised to remain vigilant.
On Wednesday, April 16, rain swept across Provence, marking the beginning of a turbulent weather pattern. As the storm Hans takes over from the previous storm Olivier, the situation is expected to worsen. Météo France has placed Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud under an orange alert for rain-flooding, indicating that significant precipitation is anticipated. The agency warns of potential rainfall rates reaching up to 20 mm/h, with total accumulations over the next 48 hours possibly hitting 100 to 150 mm in some areas.
The alert extends to 19 departments in southeastern France, including Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse, which are under yellow alert for flooding. Residents are urged to exercise caution, especially near rivers and other bodies of water, as the risk of flooding increases. In Provence, the Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse departments are particularly at risk, with warnings in place for rising water levels.
Meanwhile, in the Alps, the departments of Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are also under yellow alert due to concerns about rain-flooding and avalanches. Météo France has highlighted the potential for remarkable avalanche activity on the massifs of Haute-Maurienne and Haute-Tarentaise, prompting additional safety measures.
Guillaume Séchet and Alexandre Slowik from Meteo-Villes have reported that the rainfall over the next two days could reach between 40 to 80 mm, with localized areas experiencing even more intense downpours. This could result in up to 150 liters of water per square meter, creating hazardous conditions across the affected regions.
As the storm system moves through, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The authorities have warned against approaching swollen rivers and engaging in outdoor activities, especially in areas prone to flooding. Power outages are also a possibility as severe weather conditions persist.
Looking ahead, Météo France has forecasted a brief lull in the weather on Friday, April 18, 2025, with clearer skies expected. However, this respite will be short-lived, as another wave of precipitation is anticipated to return by the end of Saturday, April 19, 2025. This pattern of intermittent storms is likely to continue, keeping residents on high alert.
In light of these developments, local officials are urging communities to prepare for the worst. "Important floods are possible in the usually floodable areas, on all the hydrological basins of the departments concerned," Météo France cautioned. The agency has also advised residents to monitor updates closely as conditions can change rapidly.
As the situation unfolds, the impact of the storm Hans will be closely monitored by meteorologists and emergency services. Residents are reminded to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property during this challenging weather event.
