What to do - and not do - in a red or orange weather alert in France
The warnings come from the official state forecaster and give advice to drivers and residents
The alerts are raised during many kinds of poor weather conditions, such as rains and storms
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In France you often hear and read about weather alerts under a system of colours.
These warnings come from the official state forecaster Météo France, and are used by national and local authorities to plan and respond to weather events.
We look at what you should - or should not - do if you are in an area of France affected by one of these.
The alerts come in three colours, which we cover below from most to least severe.
Red alert (vigilance rouge)
This is the highest alert level and is issued in the worst weather conditions. People in the department affected are asked to maintain ‘absolute vigilance’.
The official advice is:
Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary and limit activities that might put you in danger
Keep up to date with weather reports and local media to check on the situation, and follow the advice given
Do not drive unless absolutely necessary and have no other choice (this does not apply for heatwaves)
Specific official advice is also given during certain phenomena including :
Remaining in your car if driving during a storm
Making preparations to potentially evacuate during heavy rain / flooding
Avoid using electrical devices during a storm (including telephones)
Secure and tie down exterior furniture before a storm, and avoid taking shelter in rooms or buildings near where trees risk being blown over
Not driving along a flooded road, even if the flood does not initially seem severe
You can find an official list of all specific warnings here.
If you do have to drive, pack an emergency kit including a change of clothes, food and water, blankets, a torch and batteries, on top of the already-required reflective jacket and motorway warning triangles.
Read more: What must drivers carry in their cars in France? Are photocopies OK?
Roads will almost certainly be closed, especially during flood alerts, so avoid any routes near waterways. Check for road closures before leaving home.
Public areas are likely to be closed, including schools, and depending on the weather parks, public squares, and public buildings. People will often be asked to work from home where possible.
Public transport services may also be pre-emptively cancelled before the weather event begins, or severely disrupted during the course of the phenomena.
You should check with local authorities (mairie, departmental prefectures, etc) using their official websites and social media pages, or other local news sources to see if temporary rules have been put in place in your area.
Orange alert (vigilance orange)
A tier-three orange warning recommends people stay ‘extremely vigilant’ to the surrounding weather conditions.
It means the incoming weather is dangerous and you should take special care if outside – leaving your home is only recommended if necessary.
This is the case during weather such as storms, strong winds, and heavy rain, when sudden events may happen such as a falling tree or bursting of a river bank.
Drivers should be extra cautious and only use their vehicle if they need to.
The risk of flooded roads is much greater at this level, with roads likely closed in the department (when warnings for rain / flooding are in place).
Drivers should check their route before driving. GPS services may provide live updates, or mairie websites may provide this information. Otherwise, an internet search should give some up to date information.
It is unlikely for places to close at this level but on rare occasions, schools and public areas may be closed. Businesses will usually remain open.
You should check official local sources for temporary measures.
Yellow alert (vigilance jaune)
A tier-two yellow warning recommends that people ‘stay alert’ due to potentially dangerous weather.
It can be deployed when an area is facing a fairly intense weather event it is accustomed to (such as lots of rain in Brittany), or when a department is facing weather conditions it is unused to.
It recommends you keep up to date with local weather reports in your area, both using the Météo France website and through local media.
However, there is usually no further action required, and people go about their day as usual.
It is extremely unlikely that people are recommended to not go outside during a yellow alert.
Drivers do not have to undertake any additional action except remaining cautious on the roads.
However, in areas that have faced heavy rainfall and are facing flooding risks, it is advised to check your route before you leave, to ensure no roads have been closed due to flooding.
It is more likely in rural areas that roads will be closed at this level, and does not usually happen in more urban areas.
No alert (vigilance verte)
When there are no intense weather conditions in a department, no warning is given, and the department stays at a green level. No action needs to be taken.
Read more: What are the different heatwave warnings in France?
Read more: What to do (and not do) during heavy rain and flood alerts in France
Read more: Storms in France: what to do if at home, out walking or in car
