A third department in the south of France has been placed on orange alert for flood risks by Vigicrues, this Saturday, January 17 at 10 p.m. aveyron joins Aude and Hérault, which have been affected since mid-afternoon. Météo-France also placed Hérault on orange “rain-flood” vigilance six hours earlier on Saturday morning.
Vigicrues reports a prolonged period of Mediterranean rains impacting much of Languedoc and the southern Massif Central since Friday. The rainy episode is expected to intensify overnight and continue on Sunday, causing river levels to rise. These rains, ranging from moderate to heavy in some areas, are falling on watersheds already saturated with moisture.
Hydrological reactions are anticipated to be most significant in the basins of the Orb, the upstream Hérault, the Cesse, and the Dourdou-Sorgues-Rance section, where overflows are likely on Sunday, prompting the orange vigilance alert, according to Vigicrues. Watercourses in the Cévennes region of Gard and Ardèche are expected to be less reactive.
Potential consequences include significant flooding, challenging traffic conditions, disruptions to rail services, power outages, and the weakening or submersion of dikes.
Météo-France reports that over the past six hours, 20 to 30 millimeters of rain have fallen on the lower elevations of Hérault, with localized amounts of 30 to 50 millimeters and 60 millimeters in the Cévennes. The rain in Hérault is expected to subside during Sunday evening.
Rainfall accumulations during this event are predicted to be substantial. Generally, 100 to 120 millimeters are expected, with localized amounts reaching 150 millimeters on plains and up to 180 to 220 millimeters in elevated areas. This represents two to three times the typical rainfall for an entire month.
Corsica on orange alert from Sunday morning
Both departments of Corsica have also been placed on orange “rain-flood” vigilance starting at 10 a.m.on sunday. Long-lasting rains began on the eastern slopes of Corsica Saturday night and are intensifying on Sunday.
Cumulative rainfall on Sunday is expected to be around 80 to 100 millimeters in plain areas, 120 to 150 millimeters locally, and 170 millimeters in higher elevations. The rains are forecast to continue untill Tuesday morning, falling on already saturated ground, with Monday’s totals expected to be similar to Sunday’s, Météo-France indicates.
Description of Changes & Answers to Questions:
* Why: Prolonged and intense Mediterranean rains, falling on already saturated ground, are causing rivers to rise and increasing the risk of flooding in southern France (Aveyron, Aude, Hérault) and Corsica.
* Who: The departments of Aveyron, Aude, and Hérault in southern France, and both departments of Corsica are affected. Vigicrues and Météo-
