In its latest forecasts, Météo-France announces an episode of strong waves Tuesday morning over part of the Mediterranean rim.
Several departments are on alert. Tuesday March 26, 2024, Meteo France predicts an “episode of strong waves around the Gulf of Lion”. The coast of Hérault is the most affected. If the Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône are on yellow alert, Hérault is placed on orange alert for “waves-submersion”. The coastline of this department will thus be by far “the most impacted”, warns Météo-France. Orange vigilance runs from 6 a.m. to noon. Those accustomed to morning sea bathing are therefore invited to abstain.
Météo-France explains that increased winds added to the already high sea level are at the origin of this risk of submersion. In its bulletin, the meteorological organization indicates: “The breaking of these strong waves, associated with these high sea levels, risks causing submersion by crossing sea waves on exposed areas of the coastline.” On X, the department prefecture calls for caution “on the coast”. She also recalled safety rules: “During the orange phase: do not go to sea, do not get into the water and stop all nautical activities.” The prefecture encourages the public not to go to beaches or “submersible routes”.
In addition, strong winds are announced by Météo-France, which details: “East to South-East winds strengthen at the end of the night from Monday to Tuesday in the north of the Gulf of Lion”, the department is also in yellow alert for “rain-flood”. The prefecture indicated that cumulative rainfall between “30 to 50 mm on average” with peaks of up to 80mm in the plains and “up to 120mm in the Cévennes” is expected. Regarding the wind, the Hérault prefecture specifies that gusts between “90 to 100km/h” are to be expected.