Storm to unleash wind and rain on France into Wednesday

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

March 7,2016; 10:35PM,EST

 

 

A strengthening storm will bring downpours and locally damaging winds to parts of France from Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Rain will reach the northwest by Tuesday evening, dampening the streets of Brest, Lorient and Saint-Brieuc.
A period of heavy rain is expected overnight from Nantes to Le Mans, Tours and Orleans. The rain will reach Paris and Toulouse by late Tuesday night with downpours causing slower travel for the Wednesday morning commute in both cities.

Rain will fall throughout the day across much of France; however, the heaviest rain is expected during the morning when some travel delays are possible.
Rainfall will total 12-25 mm (0.50-1.00 inch) in northern and western France where some minor flooding is possible. Elsewhere, rainfall is expected to be less than 12 mm (0.50 of an inch); however, downpours can briefly slow travel.
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Strong winds will also accompany this storm, with the greatest threats centering on northern and western France.
Winds will increase Tuesday night across the northwest, with the strongest gusts arriving Wednesday morning. Wind gusts of 80-100 km/h (50-60 mph) are possible from St-Malo southward to Nantes and Bordeaux on Wednesday.

Farther east, gusty winds will accompany the rain, but winds will generally be 50 km/h (30 mph) or less.
The storm will weaken on Wednesday night with rain tapering off to showers and ending from north to south across the country.
Winds will also diminish on Wednesday night with any strong gusts being confined to the western coastline.