PHOTOS: Dramatic scenes as violent storms hit southern France

Violent storms hit the south-east of France overnight, bringing rain and flooding to the previously serene Mediterranean coastline. 

Rainfall of nearly 150 mm fell within 24 hours in parts of the Alpes-Maritimes department. Storms are set to continue in some areas of the far-south east today. 

Read more: Flood warnings continue in central France after storms hit overnight

The storms hit across the southern coastline from Nice to Marseille, with the latter facing severe flooding. 

It was the most powerful storm the city has experienced in at least three years. 

Roads flooded in Marseille

Floods were particularly damaging to Marseille’s transport network, with many roads inundated with water. 

Holidaymakers expecting Mediterranean sunshine were in many cases left instead with wet feet.

South-east avoids serious damage

Other areas, including Mandelieu-la-Napoule (Alpes Maritimes) continued to face rainfall until early this morning (September 5). 

The storms traversed the south-eastern coastline, however in other major cities such as Nice and Toulon, major damage was avoided. 

In the Var department, emergency services were called out 18 times overnight, significantly fewer than for other heavy storms elsewhere in France this year. 

In rural areas of the Alpes-Maritimes, in the Alpine valleys, some people were evacuated from their homes before the storms began as a precautionary measure, however no serious damage was recorded.

Striking images of the storms were captured along the coastline.