Wind and wave warnings increase in south of France, Saharan sand to land in Brittany
Storm Martinho is currently passing through the Mediterranean
Cars should be washed as soon as storms end
Luciavonu / Shutterstock
The number of departments in the south of France facing heightened weather warnings today is up to seven as Storm Martinho makes its way along the Mediterranean.
Hérault, Gard and the Bouches-du-Rhône have joined Tarn and Haute-Garonne on a tier-three orange alert for high wind, with gales of up to 120 km/h forecast today.
In addition to high winds, Hérault is facing a heightened warning for coastal waves, alongside the Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude.
All warnings are currently set to be lifted by Saturday (March 22) although this depends on how the storm progresses today. You can keep up to date with live alerts through the Météo France website.
Residents in these areas should take precautions over the powerful winds, staying indoors where possible and minimising the risk of damage to their property.
Read more: Gale warnings: how to limit damage to your home in France and errors to avoid
Watch skies for Saharan sand
Winds and waves are not the only things Storm Martinho is bringing to France however, as the conditions have kicked up large amounts of Saharan sand, set to be deposited across much of the country in the coming days.
Significant amounts may fall as far north as Brittany on Friday afternoon, before the sand crosses the English Channel and potentially reaches Scotland.
Saharan sand deposits are a natural phenomena in France – powerful winds can bring them above the Pyrénées or through the Mediterranean further north into Europe – although they have become more common in recent years.
The sand gets blown thousands of feet above sea level, where it constantly bumps into other grains, becoming finer and finer until it is too small to be carried by the wind and rapidly falls.
When it does fall, it can leave skies in an ochre hue and cause streets and vehicles to get covered in the dusty particles.
In some cases the sand can corrode metal, so washing your car immediately after the sand passes is recommended.
Health warnings are not usually given alongside the natural deposits, however those who face respiratory issues, as well as elderly people and pregnant women, should avoid strenuous physical activity when outside during one of these events.
