Météo-France puts nine departments in the center-east of the country on orange alert due to “strong wind” on Monday, November 25: Puy-de-Dôme, Saône-et-Loire, Allier, Loire, Haute-Loire, Rhône, Isère, Ain and Jura . Currently the orange surveillance is in force until 6:00 p.m. To reduce the risk of accidents, the SNCF has announced the interruption of numerous railway lines in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which includes most of the affected departments.
All lines in the department of Allier, Puy-de-Dôme and Haute-Loire are affected, including the Clermont-Ferrand-Paris line, but also the Saint-Etienne-Le Puy en Velay-Lyon-Roanne-Montbrison line; the Roanne – Lyon line; the Paray-le-Monial – Lyon line; the Lyon – Saint André le Gaz line; the Lyon Saint Paul – L’Arbresle -Tassin-Lozanne-Brignais line and the Clermont-Lyon line, SNCF announced on its website.
“Cuts are expected in intercités, as well as a reduction in services for certain TGVs. In addition, train speeds will be limited on several lines.”the company added. The SNCF advises users “Periodically check the TER site or a mobility app to check train traffic and be careful during (your) trip”.
“As a result of Bert’s depression, the south-southeast wind has strengthened in the departments placed on orange alert”explains the meteorological service. According to Météo-France, “This Monday morning, the wind accelerates and reaches 100-110 km/h, especially in Lyonnais, in the Givors sector, to the northern plains of Auvergne and Saône-et-Loire, with the Gier valley and the valleys of the Upper Loire. values that can reach or exceed 120 km/h at peak speeds”.
Strong gusts “It may also affect neighboring departments and, in particular, the north of Isère and the west of Ain”warns the organization, adding that “Uncertainty persists about the geographical extension of the phenomenon of strong gusts that may partially affect part of the Cantal”. In addition, 43 departments are also on yellow alert due to this windy episode.
But these winds should subside early in the afternoon over the Massif Central and a little later between Saint-Etienne and Lyon, according to Météo-France.
Storm Bert hit the UK and Ireland on Saturday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and heavy snow, disrupting transport and leaving tens of thousands of homes without power.