French departments on orange alert for violent storms
Six departments in France are still on orange alert - the second-most severe level - for storms today (Wednesday August 7) as M茅t茅o France warns residents to be especially vigilant.
The forecaster lightning and hailstorms were possible, as well as wind gusts of 60-80 kph, and up to 20mm of rainfall in 30 minutes.
The storms have been classified as an 鈥渙range鈥� risk due to their strength, with M茅t茅o France saying there could be 鈥渁 risk to life鈥�.
The more mountainous regions are expected to see stronger, shorter but more violent storms; while the more southern areas were forecast to see longer but less intense activity.
Residents are warned to be vigilant, especially when travelling outside and taking part in outside activities, and to secure any outdoors objects or furniture. People are also advised not to use electronics or devices outdoors.
The alert is expected to finish around midday today.
The full list of departments on alert is:
The Loz猫re, Haute-Loire, Loire, Rh么ne, Is猫re and Ain.
The Aveyron, Cantal, Puy-de-D么me and Tarn-et-Garonne were previously on alert, but this has now been lifted for these departments.
