Hurricane Kirk Brings Severe Weather to France
France is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Kirk, with 19 departments placed on orange alert due to expected heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds. Météo France has indicated that the storm remnants will hit the country on Wednesday, leading to significant weather disruptions across various regions.
The Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées are currently under surveillance for wind gusts that could reach up to 150 km/h in mountainous areas. In addition to the orange alerts, a broader area stretching from the South-West to the North-Eastern borders is under yellow alert, indicating potential severe weather conditions.
Precipitation levels are expected to be particularly high in the Île-de-France region, with forecasts suggesting 40 mm to 90 mm of rain, equivalent to a month’s worth of rainfall in just one day. This is concerning as the ground is already saturated from previous storms in September, heightening the risk of flooding across the affected areas.
Alpes-Maritimes Schools Closed Amid Rain-Flood Alerts
In a related development, the Alpes-Maritimes department has also been placed on orange alert for rain and flooding. As a precautionary measure, all schools and daycare centers in the region will remain closed on Tuesday. The prefecture has warned of significant rainfall accumulations, with forecasts predicting 60 to 100 mm of rain, particularly in coastal and central areas.
Authorities are on high alert for potential stationary storms, which could lead to rapid flooding and overflowing watercourses. Residents are advised to limit travel and avoid submerged roads, recalling recent incidents where areas like Cannes experienced severe flooding after heavy rainfalls. The storm is expected to clear out through Italy by the end of the day, but the situation remains critical as the region prepares for the worst of the weather.
