Météo France has issued an orange alert for high winds in Marseille and surrounding areas as severe weather conditions sweep through southern France. On Friday, March 21, 2025, the city announced the immediate closure of its parks and gardens, which will remain shut until conditions improve. The alert indicated that violent winds with gusts exceeding 100 km/h are anticipated throughout the day.
This warning affects not only Marseille but also several other departments, including Hérault, Gard, and Bouches-du-Rhône. In total, five southern departments have been placed under an orange alert due to sustained wind gusts that are expected to last until at least 6 PM. Additionally, three other departments — Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, and Hérault — will experience a waves-submersion alert starting at 2 PM, suggesting a potentially dangerous situation along the coastline.
According to reports from Météo France, wind speeds across the region can reach as high as 120 km/h. Notably, recorded winds included 120 km/h in Saint-Félix-Lauragais, 107 km/h in Castres-Mazamet, 107 km/h in Toulouse-Blagnac, and 103 km/h in Muret. These gusts pose serious risks to public safety, prompting local authorities to issue precautionary recommendations.
The Prefecture of Gard has activated an orange "Violent Wind" alert, effective from noon, warning residents about the increasing strength of easterly winds expected to reach up to 110 km/h along the coast. Inland areas might experience gusts ranging between 70 to 90 km/h. This situation is expected to lead to a wave-submersion phenomenon, with safety alerts indicating waves up to 5 meters high coupled with a significant water surge. In anticipation of the inclement weather, safety measures have been advised, including avoiding movement on roofs, securing loose objects, and steering clear of closed bridges at risk of flooding.
"We are taking this threat seriously," said a spokesperson from the Gard Prefecture, emphasizing their commitment to public safety as local services mobilize for emergency responses. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant due to the risk of falling trees and debris. Measures are in place to keep communities informed and safe as the weather deteriorates.
Affected regions have begun preparations to ensure the safety of the public. In Le Grau du Roi, for example, city officials have mandated the closure of parks and public playgrounds, alongside prohibiting access to piers and beaches. "No swimming or water-related activities will be permitted," the spokesperson added, reiterating the seriousness of the weather conditions.
The orange alert highlights how the Autan wind, identifiable by its dry, warm nature, will contribute to worsening weather patterns, influencing both wind and water levels significantly. Rough sea conditions have been reported as the Mediterranean region braces for this severe weather event, prompting greater caution along the coastline.
With the arrival of this storm, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to follow, further complicating an already precarious weather scenario. Officials are urging residents to prepare accordingly, keeping updated on the alerts' progression. As unpredictable weather patterns seem to have intensified over the past years, local authorities remain vigilant.
No matter the challenge, the community’s resilience shines. Local emergency services, road maintenance teams, and public safety officials are doing their utmost to ensure safety amid the storm's turmoil. The public is urged to continue following the guidelines provided by local agencies.
As Friday progresses, attention will be focused particularly on integrity and safety in outdoor areas. The message remains clear: prioritize safety above all during these unpredictable and volatile weather conditions.
Local officials are monitoring the situation closely, and weather updates will be shared as they unfold. The severity of predictions underscores the importance of cooperation among the community to mitigate risks associated with severe weather disturbances.
