Franche-Comté. Risk of violent thunderstorms: Doubs, Haute-Saône and the Territoire de Belfort placed on orange alert this Wednesday afternoon
After Doubs and Haute-Saône, which were placed on orange alert due to a high risk of violent thunderstorms starting at 4 p.m., Météo France added in its Wednesday morning bulletin that the Territoire de Belfort was placed on alert starting at 6 p.m. The storm is expected to end at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
This Wednesday, August 27, starting at 4 p.m., the Doubs and Haute-Saône departments will be placed on orange alert due to a high risk of violent thunderstorms; for the Territoire de Belfort, the alert begins at 6 p.m. Intense stormy weather, moving up from the Massif Central towards Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, is expected between the afternoon and night of Wednesday to Thursday.
In the Doubs region, these phenomena are characterized by particularly heavy rainfall, with totals reaching 15 to 30 millimeters in one hour, and more in places, as the prefecture specified in a press release. Over the entire episode, several successive storms could cause total rainfall ranging from 20 to 40 millimeters, or even exceeding 50 millimeters in places.
In addition to heavy rainfall, these storms may be accompanied by small hail and wind gusts of between 60 and 80 km/h. These weather conditions pose significant risks: violent storms can cause significant damage, particularly to lightweight homes and temporary installations. Rapid flooding is also a risk in cellars and low-lying areas. Furthermore, forest fires cannot be ruled out due to lightning strikes not accompanied by rain.
The Haute-Saône prefecture is in the same boat. "Very heavy rainfall (20 to 40 mm of rain in one hour, very occasionally up to 50 mm) is expected in the department; small to medium-sized hail; wind gusts between 60 and 80 km/h, which may occasionally exceed 100 km/h."
In light of this situation, authorities recommend moving away from trees and waterways, taking shelter in a sturdy building, and avoiding travel. It is also advisable to protect property vulnerable to wind or water and limit the use of telephones and electrical appliances to prevent any risk of lightning or power outages.
To follow the progress of this stormy episode, residents can consult Météo France's answering machines at 08 99 71 02 25, the free Vigilance Météo France service at 05 67 22 95 00, as well as the website www.meteo.fr , which provide up-to-date and precise information.
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