significant gusts of wind recorded in Bouches-du-Rhône

The wind is raging in the Bouches-du-Rhône department this Friday, December 20, with gusts recorded at more than 143 km/h. As a result, parks were closed to the public and Christmas festivities were canceled.

Wind peaks recorded at more than 143 km/h at Bec-de-l’Aigle. This Friday, December 20, in Bouches-du-Rhône, impressive gusts of wind were observed on the coast and the hinterland.

The department is placed on yellow “wind” vigilance until 9 p.m. this evening, according to Météo-France.

105km/h were recorded in Marseille/Saint-Loup, 104km/h in Aubagne and 102km/h in Martigues, detailed on X Paul Marquis, weather expert. These gusts caused damage locally, such as at Colline Saint-Joseph in Marseille, where branches fell onto the roadway.

“Many forget that a mistral storm can be just as formidable as an ocean storm… Even if we have blue skies during strong gusts,” he recalled.

According to the meteorologist, the gusts will continue until the end of the afternoon or even into the evening in the east of the department.

Many closures

Consequence: the parks and gardens of the city of Marseille remained exceptionally closed this Friday until further notice.

The end of year festivities were also disrupted by this bad weather. The big Christmas parade, originally scheduled for this evening, has been postponed again and the Christmas market has also been closed for the whole day.