Sylvain Allemand // Credits: BOUILLAND Stéphane / Hemis.fr / hemis.fr / Hemis via AFP 4:41 p.m., April 8, 2024, modified at 4:41 p.m., April 8, 2024
Météo France places 11 departments on orange alert for floods and waves-submersion from this Tuesday because of the “Pierrick” depression. Among the areas concerned are: Pas-de-Calais, Somme, Côtes d'Armor, Manche, Finistère, Seine-Maritime, Eure, Charente-Maritime, Gironde and Pyrénées-Atlantiques .
Reinforced vigilance in France. The "Pierrick" depression which is circulating at the entrance to the English Channel and near the north of Finistère at the start of this afternoon pushes Météo France to place 11 departments on orange weather alert for floods and wave-submersion. Among the areas concerned are: Pas-de-Calais, Somme, Côtes-d'Armor, Manche, Finistère, Seine-Maritime, Eure, Charente-Maritime, Gironde and the Pyrenees. Atlantics.
11 departments in Orange (https://t.co/CSYEovTI83) pic.twitter.com/OTZC45gAaH
— VigiMétéoFrance (@VigiMeteoFrance) April 8, 2024
The meteorological agency warns that “traffic conditions may be made difficult across the entire network and disruptions may affect rail transport” in the sectors affected by possible flooding. Power outages may also occur. Even more worrying, dikes can be weakened or submerged. The very strong waves expected on the coast of the north of the country also risk causing pebbles to be projected. “Significant damage is feared locally to light housing and temporary installations on the shore and the coast,” warns Météo France.
Behavioral advice
For the departments affected by flooding, Météo France asks residents to move away from rivers and bridges and to reach a high point to take shelter in the event of submersion. For motorists, it is not recommended to drive onto a submerged road. Regarding wave-submersion risks, it is not recommended to go to sea and staying away from coasts and estuaries is strongly recommended.