Severe Thunderstorms: Seven Departments in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Placed on Orange Alert by Météo-France

On Friday, June 6, Météo-France placed seven departments in southeastern France under an orange alert for severe thunderstorms. The warning, issued earlier in the day, affects Ain, Rhône, Loire, Haute-Loire, Isère, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie, and is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday.

After a week of heavy and unstable weather, atmospheric conditions are once again deteriorating amid persistent heat and humidity across the region. Multiple waves of thunderstorms are expected starting late afternoon, bringing intense rainfall, strong wind gusts, and possibly tornado-like phenomena.

Hail, torrential rain, and high winds expected

Météo-France warns of the potential for hailstones several centimeters in diameter and heavy downpours with rainfall totals reaching 30 to 50 mm in a short time, possibly more in some areas. The northern part of Isère is under particular scrutiny, as forecasters believe it could be one of the hardest-hit zones.

Although the severe weather is not expected to affect the entire country, neighboring departments currently under a yellow alert may also experience violent weather as the day progresses.

Just three days after devastating storms swept through the same region, authorities are urging caution, especially for travel and outdoor activities.