Severe thunderstorm alert: hail, schedules, intensity … everything you need to know about the episode scheduled for this week – LaDepeche.fr

the essential Météo France announced orange vigilance in five departments on August 16. Heavy thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected. What we know about this alert. After a very significant episode of strong heat, the summer storms are back. On August 16, Météo France placed 5 departments, all located in Occitania, on orange vigilance for thunderstorms. Here is what we know so far about this alert, which should encourage the inhabitants of our region to be cautious. Which departments are concerned? Five southern departments, all located in Occitania, have been placed on orange alert by Météo France: Aude, Aveyron, Gard, Hérault and Tarn. All the rest of France is placed on yellow alert, knowing that the bad weather will move in the hours to come, rather towards the South-East of France. What time are thunderstorms expected? The orange alert should be triggered from 3 p.m. and runs until 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. It should be noted that the Gard and the Hérault will also be placed in yellow vigilance “Rain-Flood” from 3 p.m. until tomorrow morning. Schedules of alerts expected this Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 August. (Click on the image to enlarge it) What bad weather? Severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon in the south of the Massif-Central (Tarn and Aveyron), as well as in Aude. Lightning, hail and heavy rainfall (between 20 and 40 millimeters in one hour) are expected. The wind could also be violent with gusts ranging from 80 to 100 km / h. In the Hérault and the Gard, the precipitation is likely to be even greater, possibly exceeding 100 to 120 millimeters in a very short time. According to the Météo France alert, “vortex phenomena, waterspouts or even tornadoes could also occur”. These storms could move overnight towards the PACA region. What are the risks ? This type of very violent storms tend to cause significant damage. Questioned by the Dépêche du Midi, Jean-Frédéric Bondet, forecaster at Météo France, is particularly concerned about the risk of hail: “There is a high probability that certain areas will experience hail. Most of the time, it is more destructive than beneficial. so we are not very optimistic about the damage”. In addition, with the drying up of the soil, a phenomenon of runoff which risks causing flooding must be taken into account. Météo France also warns of the risk of forest fires starting, they could occur following lightning strikes not accompanied by rain. To read also: Weather: with the violent storms expected this Tuesday, why should we fear very virulent rainy episodes? What are the recommendations to follow? During this kind of vigilance, it is important to know the behavior to adopt in order not to take risks. Thus Météo France warns of the procedure to follow. Also read: Beware of thunderstorms! Car stationary, appliances disconnected, insulating surface… precautions to take to avoid lightning It is particularly advisable to move away from trees and waterways and to take shelter in buildings. Travel during this type of stormy episode is strongly discouraged, and it is better to avoid using your telephone and electrical appliances.