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Corsica and Southeast France under orange weather alerts for severe storms
Severe weather alerts have been issued for Corsica and parts of southeastern France, including the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, due to violent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Météo-France placed Corsica under orange vigilance for thunderstorms on Friday, August 21, 2026, warning of wind gusts that could reach 120 to 150 km/h, particularly in the western part of the island. Heavy rainfall of 30 to 50 mm is expected within short periods.
In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region, the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments were placed under orange vigilance for both thunderstorms and rain-flooding. The weather event has already caused significant disruptions, including the cancellation of several flights at Bastia and Calvi airports, and the evacuation of 1,360 people from outdoor hotels in Haute-Corse. In the Var, intense electrical activity and heavy rain have led to power outages for thousands of households and localized flooding.
Prior to this, on Thursday, August 20, orange vigilance was active for thunderstorms in the Isère, Drôme, and Ardèche departments, where hail measuring 2 to 3 cm in diameter was possible. Authorities have advised the public to avoid travel, stay away from trees and rivers, and secure property against wind and hail.
Entities
Alpes-Maritimes · Ardèche · Corsica · Drôme · Haute-Corse · Isère · Météo-France · Var
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 18 SOURCES] Météo-France has placed Corsica under orange vigilance for thunderstorms on Friday, August 21, 2026. france3-regions.franceinfo.fr · vendee-communication.fr · www.corsenetinfos.corsica · www.lebarsurloup.fr · presseagence.fr · +10 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Hailstones measuring 2 to 3 cm in diameter are possible in the Isère, Drôme, and Ardèche regions. www.ledauphine.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Wind gusts in Corsica may reach speeds of 120 to 150 km/h, particularly in the western part of the island. france3-regions.franceinfo.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Isère, Drôme, and Ardèche departments in France are under orange vigilance for violent thunderstorms on Thursday, August 20, 2026. www.ledauphine.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Heavy rainfall of 30 to 50 mm is expected in Corsica within a short period. france3-regions.franceinfo.fr