Pas-de-Calais and Var on orange alert for rain, flooding and thunderstorms on Saturday

Pas-de-Calais and Var were placed on orange alert on Saturday due to a risk of heavy rain and flooding, as well as thunderstorms for the second department, Météo-France announced on Friday, September 12.

In Pas-de-Calais, the alert will begin at 3 a.m. on Friday night and is expected to remain in effect until 4 p.m. A period of heavy, stationary downpours warrants special vigilance due to the expected accumulations, explains Météo-France.

"An intensification of coastal showers is expected in the second half of the night from Friday to Saturday," the agency said. Rainfall is expected to continue until Saturday afternoon, with totals expected to be between 30 and 50 mm. 70 to 80 mm will be possible locally.

In the Var, rain, flood and thunderstorm warnings will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rainfall, "very heavy" in places, will require "special vigilance," according to the forecaster. "Late morning and afternoon, thunderstorms will mainly affect the coastal area" and its surrounding areas. Locally, "these thunderstorms could produce 80 to 100 mm in a very short time."

"Significant electrical activity, as well as gusts of wind (around 60-80 km/h, or even more) and hail, are also to be feared." These cells could also affect the interior of the Var, "to a lesser extent, however."

The two departments will also be on yellow alert due to the risk of flooding.