Train cancellations and delays expected in France as Storm Florian strikes
Several French departments have been placed on orange alert for strong winds and a number of train lines in north-central France are affected.
The worst-hit regions are in northern France: Charleville-Mézières, Châlons-en-Champagne, and Bar-le-Duc – are experiencing frequent gusts between 80 and 100 km/h, and sometimes even 110 km/h.
Storm Floriane is moving quickly but intensely over the northeast of the country and may reach Belgium by the late afternoon.
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There is also a risk of floods and avalanches in northern France by the early evening, and a small part of Bordeaux is being affected too, according to the Météo-France website.
Rail travel has been badly impacted by the storm
To guarantee the safety of both passengers and staff, SNCF has been making cancellations and changes to services, as well as putting speed limits in place.
Some replacement buses have also been put in place. Rail traffic has been disrupted between Nantes and Savenay due to a power outage that has forced drivers to slow down in the area. This is now unlikely to be back on track until 8pm this evening.
A tree fell on the tracks near Pont-Sainte-Maxence, and has disrupted trains in both directions between Creil and Compiègne.
If you plan to travel by train in France today, passengers are being advised by SCNF to check your train is running to schedule and to remain vigilant to changing weather conditions.
In the event that you train is cancelled, you can contact the train provider directly to exchange your ticket without any fees – or postpone your trip.
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Further south, the A51 motorway that connects Grenoble to Marseille has been closed in both directions close to the Sinard tunnel due to flying objects in the road.
You are advised only to leave your home if absolutely necessary in areas placed on orange alert, and drivers should be extra cautious, particularly of flooding.
Journalists are monitoring this story as it unfolds and we will continue to update you.