Thunderstorms: 69 departments under orange alert, including Essonne in the Ile-de-France region this Tuesday, March 11

Storm alert in the Paris region. This Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Météo France placed 69 départements under yellow alert for weather risks, including Essonne, affected by thunderstorms.

This Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Météo France has placed 69 départements under yellow alert due to various weather risks. In the Ile-de-France region,Essonne is affected by thunderstorms. The alert, which has been in force since 3 p.m., is due to end around 8 p.m. Forecasts predict a lull on Wednesday, accompanied by a drop in temperatures.

Essonne will be particularly affected by thunderstorms, with more pronounced activity in the southeast of the département, according to Météo France. Temperatures will hover between 10 and 12°C in the afternoon. The following night should see a lull, with a few showers and temperatures between 4 and 5°C.

Orage : 69 départements en vigilance orange dont l'Essonne ce mardi 11 mars — Météo France

An extended weather alert

This phenomenon is not confined to Essonne. A large part of France has been placed on yellow alert, with 69 departments affected by various meteorological hazards. Of these, thunderstorms are the main cause for alert, affecting more than 60 departments.

Four phenomena under surveillance

In addition to thunderstorms, Météo France has also issued warnings for three other meteorological hazards: rain, flooding and avalanches. Most of the country is affected, with the exception of a strip stretching from Finistère to the Ardennes, as well as a few isolated departments such as Gironde, Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne, Aude and Haute-Savoie.

What's the weather forecast for Wednesday?

After this stormy spell, the weather looks set to be calmer on Wednesday March 12. Skies will remain cloudy and temperatures will drop: 5°C in the morning and up to 9°C in the afternoon. A calmer day ahead for residents of Essonne and the other départements concerned.

In the event of astorm, it's essential to adopt the right reflexes to ensure your safety. Here is a list of the main recommendations to follow to avoid any danger:

Take shelter: at the first sign of a storm, it's best to take shelter in a solid building. If you're in a car, stay inside with the windows closed.
Avoid metal objects: metal objects such as umbrellas, bicycles or fences can attract lightning. Don't touch them, and stay away from them.
Don't take shelter under a tree: although it may seem protective, standing under a tree during a thunderstorm can be extremely dangerous, as lightning often strikes the highest points.
Unplug electrical appliances: to avoid damage from power surges or lightning strikes, we recommend that you unplug electrical appliances and avoid using any connected devices.
Stay away from bodies of water: ponds, lakes, rivers and swimming pools can be particularly dangerous in the event of lightning strikes. Leave any area near water immediately.
Avoid using wired devices or telephones: telephone lines and electrical wires can carry lightning. Use cell phones instead, but only in an emergency.
Stay indoors: during a thunderstorm, even if the rain seems light or the storm seems far away, it's best to wait until the storm has passed completely before going outside again.