Météo-France has issued yellow weather warnings for high winds affecting 29 departments on Tuesday, February 25. The western region of France is particularly susceptible to strong gusts, which are expected throughout the day.
The departments under yellow alert include Allier, Charente, Charente-Maritime, Cher, Côtes-d’Armor, Côte-d'Or, Creuse, Doubs, Finistère, Gironde, Ille-et-Vilaine, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Jura, Loir-et-Cher, Loire-Atlantique, Loiret, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Morbihan, Nièvre, Puy-de-Dôme, Saône-et-Loire, Sarthe, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, Vienne, Haute-Vienne, and Yonne.
Wind gusts are projected to reach 60 km/h along the Brittany coast, 75 km/h across the central regions, and up to 80 km/h particularly over Charente-Maritime. Alongside the wind alerts, twenty departments have been placed under yellow warnings for potential flooding, three for submersion waves, and one for rising water levels.
According to Météo-France's report, strong winds and rain are forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday. The weather will remain variable with rain, clouds, and occasional sun until Thursday, February 27, before clearing up substantially later this week.
Concerns arise for travelers, especially those on the road. The forecast warns of hazardous driving conditions due to the inclement weather. "Precautions must be taken to avoid damaging winds and rain affecting visibility and road grip," Météo-France stated.
A significant disturbance arriving from the Atlantic has begun affecting the central areas of France, and the forecast indicates potential wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. From Upper Normandy to the Centre-Val-de-Loire and extending to the Grand Est, lasting rain is anticipated. By evening, the rains are expected to taper off to the northeast part of the country.
This morning, 53 departments were under yellow warning for various reasons, including floods, severe winds, and risks of avalanches. The impacted areas include Puy-de-Dôme, Allier, Haute-Vienne, Nièvre, Creuse, Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Loiret, and Yonne, as highlighted by the forecast.
Locally, the department of Nièvre has been issued yellow alerts for wind and rain, warning of winds reaching up to 85 km/h. "The situation is likely to evolve throughout the day, and residents are encouraged to stay alert," Météo-France emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Jura department is facing yellow warnings for rain, floods, storms, and winds. Beginning Tuesday at 10 AM and continuing until Wednesday morning, the area is bracing for 5 to 10 mm of rainfall. Interim forecasts suggest sporadic thunderstorm showers throughout Tuesday, which will intensify at night, leading to significant rainfall totals.
Rain accumulations of 15 to 30 mm are forecasted, with localized amounts up to 40 mm. There's also potential for snowfall above 700 meters, which could contribute to travel disruptions. The rain may eventually turn to snow at higher elevations, expected to bring 5 to 15 cm of snow.
Warnings were also raised concerning possible localized thunderstorms, accompanied by peak wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h. Météo-France's assessment urges the public to exercise extreme caution during this period to avoid the dangers associated with these severe weather conditions.
On Tuesday, Maine-et-Loire, along with other western departments including Deux-Sèvres and Vienne, is under yellow wind advisories. Residents and travelers are asked to prioritize safety during their activities outside. Caution is particularly advised on roadways, where debris from trees or buildings could pose hazards. The last time the region experienced such weather was at the end of January, when conditions led to rising flood waters and snowy weather.
Residents are urged to follow updates as weather evacuations might become necessary, and local authorities advise families to remain indoors when severe weather systems are imminent. With many areas experiencing already significant disruptions, quick action combined with informed decisions is the best way to mitigate the risks associated with this storm.
Météo-France continues to monitor the situation closely and provides regular updates as conditions evolve. Authorities are also highlighting the risks of outages related to power and communication lines due to high winds. The public is encouraged to stay informed and adhere strictly to safety guidance issued by local agencies.
With various alerts now established, communities across affected regions remain on alert as meteorologists track developments closely. Reports indicate the situation should normalize by Wednesday, bringing much-needed relief to the affected regions as the intense weather system wanes.
Residents should remain vigilant and prepared as the storm approaches, ensuring they have plans for safety, especially if they are located near areas prone to flooding or storm damage. Stay tuned to Météo-France for the latest forecasts and advisories.