Violent Winds: Three Departments Under Orange Alert on Sunday, March 9

Météo-France has placed Haute-Garonne, Tarn, and Hérault under an orange alert for violent winds on Sunday, March 9. The alert, already in effect since Saturday for Haute-Garonne and Tarn, will extend to Hérault starting at 10 a.m. and is expected to last until early afternoon.

Powerful Gusts and Peak Intensity

In the southwest, a particularly intense episode of autan wind is expected, with gusts reaching or exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph) on Hérault’s coastal plains by late morning. Météo-France reported impressive wind speeds: 107 km/h (66 mph) in Castres, 104 km/h (65 mph) in Saint-Félix-Lauragais, and 104 km/h (65 mph) at Toulouse Blagnac on Saturday.

Gusts could reach up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on the Lauragais heights and at the foot of the Montagne Noire, particularly between Castelnaudary and Toulouse, as well as between Mazamet and Castres. This wind episode, with peak intensity between Saturday and Sunday, is described as “significant enough to require particular vigilance.”

A Rare but Familiar Phenomenon

According to Météo-France, the last autan episode of similar intensity dates back to April 2022. The winds are expected to gradually weaken by late morning or early afternoon on Sunday.

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and limit travel during critical periods. Authorities emphasize the importance of securing loose objects that could be carried away by the wind and exercising caution near coastal and exposed areas.

Stay updated with Météo-France for real-time information on the evolving situation.