The Hérault was placed on orange vigilance this Friday, September 3, due to the heavy stormy rains which began at the end of the morning in the east of the department. They should continue for several more hours.
At 1 p.m. and in less than two hours, the accumulations already reached 80 mm at Montpellier airport, said Meteo France in a press release. “These heavy rains will last for several more hours in the same areas, with accumulations that can reach a total of 100 to 120 mm over the episode, or even exceed them”.
This “Mediterranean rain-storm situation” is not exceptional for the season in this department, but it requires “special monitoring” because it remains stationary in “highly urbanized areas”, underlines the organization.
#vigilanceOrange : Heavy thunderstorm rains in progress over eastern# Herault. It fell 93 mm the last 2 hours (50 mm / 1 hour) on the airport of #Montpellier, more than the monthly average. This risk of heavy rains continues this afternoon in the same areas. pic.twitter.com/H6Ahs6AcZs
– VigiMeteoFrance (@VigiMeteoFrance) September 3, 2021
Lives can be in danger
The meteorological institute also warns that severe thunderstorms are “likely to cause significant damage (and that) lives and property can be locally endangered.”
Heavy rains could disrupt human activities, cause flooding and make traffic conditions difficult. “Some disturbances” can also affect rail transport, according to Météo-France.
Residents of the department are advised to stay away from trees and streams, to avoid moving around, to protect property exposed to the wind or which may be flooded or not to go down into the basements. . The institute hopes for an improvement in the situation from 4 p.m.