Code red due to severe weather in southwest France

The Meteorological Service warns of moderate to heavy rain, with 3 to 7 mm of water per hour and snow from 1,000 meters on the Areg River and from 2,000 meters in the western counties.

“Precipitation and snow will increase in strength in the coming hours, with precipitation intensity of 10 mm per hour or more,” Météo-France said. Heavy rain may continue into Monday evening.

Avalanche danger

In the Pyrenees, there is a risk of wet avalanches below 2,000 to 2,200 metres. Above 2200, the danger is greater due to heavy snow. Landslides and avalanches can occur on roads over 1,500 metres.

Hundreds of cars were stuck on a snow-covered road between Andorra and France on Sunday evening, the weather service in the Pyrenees said, after the Tunnel de Poimouren was closed due to heavy snow. Cars were slipping on other roads connected to the area and traffic was moving at a fast pace. It will snow all night in the area.

In the Pyrenees-Atlantic County, school transportation in the Aspe and Osau valleys will be canceled on Monday. The authorities also advise parents not to take their children to school and call on residents of valleys to limit their movements as much as possible. Train traffic between Oloron-Sainte-Marie and Bedous will also be suspended on Monday.