Weather Alert: Four French Departments Remain on Orange Warning for Storms and Flooding Risk

After a week marked by severe storms across central France, the situation is gradually improving. However, caution is still advised this Wednesday, June 4, in parts of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Météo-France has downgraded its alert level in several areas, but four departments remain under an orange weather warning: Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isère, and Drôme. The latter two are also under alert for heavy rain and potential flooding. Earlier this morning, nine departments were still under the same level of alert, down from fourteen on Tuesday.

Ain, Rhône, Loire, Haute-Loire, and Ardèche have been downgraded to yellow alert status.

Storm Activity Persists but Weakens

According to the national weather service, the storm system continues moving eastward. During the afternoon, it passed through Isère before heading north toward Savoie and Haute-Savoie. While the intensity of the storms is decreasing, localized severe weather is still possible.

Météo-France reports the potential for medium to large hailstones (2–3 cm in diameter), intense rainfall of up to 30 mm per hour, wind gusts reaching 80 km/h, and frequent lightning. However, storm activity is expected to weaken significantly by the evening as the system shifts toward northeastern France.

A Weather-Intense Week Across France

This new wave of storms follows a turbulent start to the week. Violent weather struck central parts of the country, including the Loire and Puy-de-Dôme, causing major damage. A tornado was also reported, deepening the distress of residents faced with sudden and destructive weather conditions.