Storm Benjamin Triggers Orange Alerts for Violent Winds and Wave Submersion on French Coasts
Météo-France warns of strong winds and wave submersion along French Atlantic and Channel coasts as Storm Benjamin approaches, issuing multiple orange alerts.
- • Seven French departments placed on orange alert due to Storm Benjamin.
- • Six departments are warned for violent winds, including Charente-Maritime and Gironde.
- • Four departments face wave submersion risk during high tide, such as Landes and Seine-Maritime.
- • Wind gusts expected between 100-130 km/h along coasts as the storm intensifies in the English Channel.
Key details
Météo-France has issued orange alerts for seven French departments due to the severe weather conditions expected from Storm Benjamin. Six departments—Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Landes, Manche, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and Vendée—are on high alert for strong winds, while four—Gironde, Landes, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and Seine-Maritime—face the additional risk of wave submersion along the coast. The storm is forecasted to intensify as it moves into the English Channel, bringing wind gusts ranging from 100 to 120 km/h, and potentially reaching up to 130 km/h in localized Atlantic and Channel coastal areas. Inland gusts could register between 90 and 110 km/h.
These intense conditions are expected to begin Wednesday night and persist through Thursday, October 23. The wave submersion risk is particularly critical during high tide, posing challenges to these coastal departments. Authorities and residents in the affected areas are urged to prepare for potential disruptions caused by this powerful storm system.
Storm Benjamin's strengthening profile and the combination of high winds and waves mark a significant meteorological event impacting the Atlantic coast and English Channel shores of France, necessitating vigilance and precautionary measures from local populations and officials.