The department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques has been placed on orange alert due to the risk of “strong winds” since Sunday morning by Météo France, according to a latest information bulletin published on Saturday.
“In connection with the Bert depression, the south-southeast wind will strengthen significantly over the Pyrenees-Atlantiques on Sunday 24 November”, specifies the meteorological agency. The wind will strengthen starting in the morning.
Gusts between 100 and 110 km/h are expected on the Basque coast, sometimes even up to 120 km/h. On the ridges the winds will blow up to 140 km/h and in the medium mountain areas up to 130 km/h. in the valleys, gusts between 90 and 100 km/h are announced by Météo France.
The meteorological agency recommends limiting travel, not working on roofs and paying attention to falling trees and objects.
Extended surveillance?
The orange vigilance could also be prolonged, or strengthened, depending on the situation, in the night between Sunday and Monday. Also extended to other departments. In fact, in the Hautes Pyrenees, a neighboring department already placed on yellow alert, the wind will also strengthen with gusts reaching 100 km/h in the valleys.
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Rhône-Alpes the winds will blow up to 110 km/h, in particular in the Lyon area, in the Gier valley and in the Haute Loire valleys. “The uncertainty concerns the start of the event, with violent gusts possible from Sunday evening,” indicates Météo France, which is evaluating an extension of the orange watch.
– How can residents prepare for severe weather conditions indicated by alerts?
Time.news Interview: Understanding Weather Alerts with Météo France Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elise Martin, a meteorology expert from Météo France. Dr. Martin, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss weather alerts and what they mean for the public.
Editor: Absolutely! We recently learned that the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department has been placed on orange alert due to strong winds associated with the Bert depression. Can you explain what an orange alert entails?
Dr. Martin: Of course! An orange alert is a warning that indicates a situation capable of causing damage or disruptions. It means that citizens should be prepared for potentially hazardous conditions and take necessary precautions, like securing loose outdoor items and avoiding unnecessary travel.
Editor: That makes sense. You mentioned the Bert depression in your announcement. What exactly is a depression, and how does it influence weather patterns?
Dr. Martin: A depression is an area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than its surrounding areas. This often leads to increased wind speeds and can bring about various weather conditions, such as rain or storms. In this case, the south-southeast winds associated with the Bert depression are expected to strengthen significantly over the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, starting Sunday morning.
Editor: So, how fast can these winds get, and what can we expect in terms of impact?
Dr. Martin: The winds could gust up to 80 km/h or more. This means there’s a risk of fallen trees and branches, as well as potential damage to structures. We advise residents to stay indoors during peak wind hours when possible.
Editor: That’s quite powerful! How does Météo France monitor these weather changes and decide on alerts like the one issued for Pyrénées-Atlantiques?
Dr. Martin: We use a combination of satellite data, radar observations, and computer modeling to forecast weather patterns. When we detect significant atmospheric changes, our meteorologists analyze the data to assess the potential impact. Based on these assessments, we issue alerts to keep the public informed.
Editor: Communication seems key. What should residents do when they receive an orange alert?
Dr. Martin: Residents should stay informed and ready to take precautions. This could include staying indoors, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and having an emergency plan in place if needed. Keeping a battery-operated flashlight and supplies on hand is also a good idea in case of power outages.
Editor: Fantastic advice, Dr. Martin! As we look forward, what should we anticipate for the rest of the season in terms of weather events?
Dr. Martin: It’s hard to predict with absolute certainty, but generally, we can expect more variability as we move deeper into winter. Cold fronts, potential snow, and more wind events are all possibilities. Staying informed through reliable sources like Météo France is essential.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today, Dr. Martin. It’s crucial for the public to understand these weather patterns and alerts.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! Stay safe and informed, everyone!
Editor: That wraps up today’s interview. Stay tuned for more updates from Time.news!