Storm Darragh is prompting severe weather alerts across France, with nine departments under orange alert for strong winds expected this weekend. Wind gusts could reach up to 130 km/h, causing disruptions in transportation, including the suspension of train services in affected regions. Various events have been canceled or postponed, and authorities advise limiting outdoor activities. Additionally, intense winds and rainfall are forecasted for parts of Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales, with significant snowfall anticipated in mountainous areas.
Storm Darragh Triggers Weather Alerts Across France
Météo-France has issued a warning for severe weather conditions this weekend as storm Darragh approaches. A total of nine departments in the northwestern coastal region, along with two in the southeast, are currently under an orange alert due to forecasts of intense wind gusts. Residents in all Breton departments, as well as those in Manche, Calvados, Seine-Maritime, Somme, Pas-de-Calais, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales, are urged to exercise heightened caution, as highlighted in the 4 PM bulletin. This orange wind alert is set to take effect on Saturday, December 7, from 6 AM until 6 PM. Additionally, fifty-three other French departments are experiencing yellow alerts, signaling potential disturbances in weather conditions.
Impact of Storm Darragh on Transportation and Events
The storm, moving from England towards Belgium, is anticipated to significantly intensify winds across France. In the northwest, wind speeds will accelerate overnight, particularly in the departments under orange alert. Coastal areas may experience stormy showers that could lead to violent gusts, especially on shores exposed to west and northwest winds. Forecasts predict gusts could reach between 90 to 110 km/h inland, with coastal areas experiencing winds of 100 to 120 km/h, and exceptional peaks of 130 km/h from Brittany to Manche. Winds are expected to taper off by the end of Saturday, but strong gusts may persist into Sunday.
In light of the hazardous wind conditions, SNCF has announced the suspension of all train services on the Normandy regional rail network (Nomad) during Saturday and Sunday to safeguard passengers and staff. Certain lines in Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Pays de la Loire will face complete service interruptions. Notably affected are the routes connecting Rennes with Brest, Quimper, and Saint-Malo, along with various local TER connections until Sunday noon. Other rail services in the neighboring regions will also be impacted, including the TER lines connecting Nantes and La Roche-sur-Yon, as well as Bordeaux and Dax.
Travelers are strongly advised to reconsider their weekend travel plans due to these disruptions. In regions like Picardie, train services on seven lines will be suspended on Saturday, and the traffic of TER and buses is already facing challenges on Friday. Meanwhile, numerous events in the North and Pas-de-Calais have been canceled, while football matches in Somme have either been postponed or called off. In Brittany, Christmas festivities in Morlaix and Saint-Malo have been relocated indoors, and several parks and gardens will be closed throughout the weekend or just on Saturday. Authorities in Seine-Maritime are recommending limited outdoor activities, and the northern dyke in Le Havre will remain closed until Sunday.
Additionally, in Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales, which are also under orange alert, the tramontane winds will intensify around early Saturday afternoon as storm Darragh passes. Gusts may reach between 110 to 120 km/h, and potentially up to 130 km/h in areas like Roussillon, Leucate, Vallespir, and the Albères relief. These winds will be accompanied by a rainy disturbance, bringing showers and even hail, especially with significant accumulations expected in western Pyrenees. Moreover, considerable snowfall is forecasted for Sunday and Monday in mountainous regions, particularly in the Pyrenees.