Météo-France has placed the Hérault department under an orange alert for the risk of thunderstorms, effective from 5.00 pm on Monday 24 August, and under a yellow alert for the risk of rain and flooding.
A brief but intense spell of rain and thunderstorms is expected in the late afternoon and early evening. The thunderstorm cells will move rapidly from west to east across the region.
Locally severe weather is possible, particularly in the lowlands and near the coast:
⛈️ sudden, severe thunderstorms; ;
🧊 hailstorms, which may be severe; ;
💨 strong gusts of wind reaching speeds of 90 to 120 km/h; ;
🌧️ heavy rainfall, with up to 50–70 mm in an hour; ;
🌊 Surface runoff and rapid rises in water levels in some areas.
⚠️ Safety instructions
The public are urged to remain extremely vigilant throughout the duration of the incident.
In particular, it is recommended that:
- limit travel whilst storms are passing through; ;
- avoid non-essential travel; ;
- never drive onto a flooded road or through a ford; ;
- take shelter in a solidly built building whilst storm cells are passing through; ;
- put away or secure any objects that could be blown away by the wind; ;
- avoid outdoor activities, wooded areas and the banks of watercourses; ;
– keep abreast of developments and follow the authorities’ guidance.
Do not take any risks when faced with a flooded road or ford: just a few tens of centimetres of water can be enough to sweep a vehicle away.
The emergency services and the authorities remain on standby and are closely monitoring developments.
Please remain vigilant and check regularly for updates from Météo-France and the local authorities.