Storm Darragh Triggers Widespread Weather Alerts in France
Storm Darragh is causing significant disruptions across France this weekend, prompting Météo-France to place 15 departments on orange alert due to severe weather conditions. The storm, moving from England to Belgium, is expected to bring strong winds and heavy snowfall, particularly affecting the north-west and south-west regions of the country.
The departments under wind alert include Morbihan, Côtes-d'Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Manche, Calvados, Seine-Maritime, Somme, Pas-de-Calais, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales. The orange wind alert is effective from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Gusts are anticipated to reach between 110 to 140 km/h in certain areas, especially in the Roussillon plains and the Vallespir region.
Train Services Suspended Due to Severe Winds
In response to the hazardous weather conditions, the SNCF has announced the suspension of all train services on the Normandy regional rail network for Saturday and Sunday. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of passengers and staff amid the strong winds. The disruptions will also affect train services in Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Pays de la Loire, with significant interruptions expected on routes linking Rennes to Brest, Quimper, and Saint-Malo.
As the storm progresses, heavy snowfall is anticipated in the Pyrenees, with departments such as Ariège, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, and Haute-Garonne placed on orange alert for snow and ice starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Météo-France warns that while winds may begin to ease later in the day, they will remain strong through Sunday, necessitating continued vigilance in the affected regions.
