Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Across Northern France

Northern France faces severe thunderstorms with high wind and hail warnings.

Key Points

  • • Météo-France has issued an orange alert for the Somme region.
  • • Wind gusts up to 123 km/h reported in Rouen and hail in Paris.
  • • Caution is advised, especially for outdoor activities and temporary structures.
  • • Severe thunderstorms expected to impact various regions throughout the night.

Severe thunderstorms have struck Northern France, leading to multiple weather warnings as conditions deteriorate. Météo-France issued an orange alert for the Somme region effective from 20:00 on June 13, forecasting fierce wind gusts of 90 to 100 km/h, significant rainfall reaching up to 30 mm, and even the possibility of hail. The prefect of Somme has urged residents to cancel outdoor activities and take precautions, particularly concerning temporary structures, to ensure safety during these extreme conditions (5024).

Reports confirm that the storm front has rapidly moved towards Paris, with record wind gusts recorded at 123 km/h in Rouen, and 102 km/h in Chartres, both setting new June records. The severe weather not only brought deluges but also hailstorms, with impacts felt in Paris and surrounding suburbs, including Orne where hailstones were reported to measure 5 cm in diameter. Meteorological warnings for continued adverse weather persist throughout the night as thunderstorms move toward the Hauts-de-France region (5031).

As the storm system continues to evolve, emergency services are prepared for potential disruptions, and residents are advised to keep updated via Météo-France for the latest safety information.