Storm Charles threatens flooding and high winds

The French Riviera is bracing for heavy rain, thunderstorms and powerful winds on Thursday, November 12, as Storm Charles approaches south-eastern France, bringing the possibility of localised flooding and hazardous coastal conditions.

After sweeping across Spain and Portugal, the weather system is expected to reach the Mediterranean coast, affecting the Alpes-Maritimes, including Nice and areas surrounding Monaco.

Forecasters warn that rainfall could reach 50 to 100 millimetres within 24 hours in some locations, potentially equivalent to several weeks of precipitation. Intense downpours could overwhelm drainage systems, causing surface flooding and dangerous conditions on roads.

Strong easterly winds are also anticipated, with gusts of 50 to 70 km/h and potentially reaching 90 km/h in exposed coastal areas. Waves could rise to three or four metres, creating hazardous conditions along the shoreline.

Temperatures are expected to fall noticeably towards the weekend, although the colder spell may prove short-lived. Whilst conditions could improve later on Thursday, persistent rainfall remains possible across the Alpes-Maritimes. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution, particularly near the coast and flood-prone areas, and to follow official weather updates as the storm develops.