Red weather warnings for floods in west France as storms continue

A new series of storms is set to hit France today (June 20) and weather alerts remain in place in over 80 departments. 

In Mayenne and Maine-et-Loire, red alert warnings, the highest possible, are in place for river flooding. 

The Oudon river that traverses the two departments is at risk of flooding, and in some areas is recording water levels higher than all previous records.

The body of a 73-year old man has been found in Lormont (Gironde). The man was found drowned in a parking lot after severe storms hit the department on Wednesday (June 19). 

An inquiry into his death has been opened. 

Read more: What action is advised with different Météo France weather warnings

Two separate storms are set to traverse the country. The first will come up from the Pyrénées, before crossing the Massif Central area and heading eastwards towards the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region later in the afternoon.

The second will sweep in from the Atlantic, hitting Brittany before following the path of the Loire river.

In both the north and south, rainfall of 50 mm is expected. 

Some areas are forecast to receive 30 mm to 40 mm in less than an hour, as quick but intense rain hits. 

Areas that have already seen more than 60 mm of rain in the last 12 hours include Guèret (Creuse), Chinon (Indre-et-Loire) and Chasnay (Nièvre).

Hail is also forecast, particularly in the Massif Central and eastern areas of France, in the evening. Gales of around 90 km/h are expected in coastal areas.

In the south-east of France and Corsica, pollution alerts are in place due to the levels of dust particles in the air. 

These particles are being deposited by the ‘Sirocco’ winds from Morocco, which whip up Saharan sands, grind them into dust and deposit them across Europe. 

The particles themselves are not dangerous to most, although pregnant women and those with respiratory diseases should avoid strenuous exercise outside. 

The accumulation of dust in the air can however increase the damage caused by other microparticles such as vehicle emissions. 

Read more: Pool owners and drivers in south France: Saharan sand and algae alerts

Weather alerts raised across France

There are also tier three orange warnings for heavy rain and flash flooding, river flooding and / or storms are also in place in the following departments: 

Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, Eure-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Sarthe, Indre, Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Yonne, Nièvre, Loiret, and Hautes-Alpes.

Around 80 departments in mainland France face tier-two yellow warnings for storms, heavy rain, and strong winds. 

Corse-du-Sud is on a tier-two yellow warning for canicule (high temperatures), with temperatures reaching up to 37C. 

It is likely that Météo France will update its warnings as the day progresses and more information about the intensity of the storms becomes available. 

Météo France usually updates its weather warnings three times per day (at 06:00, 10:00, and 16:00), however during extreme weather conditions it can be more often. 

You can keep up to date with the official weather warnings on the Météo France website.