Storm Gabri places Corsica on Orange rain-flood alert this weekend. Intense rain, wind, snow, storms… The Isle of Beauty in the eye of the storm. Follow the evolution of the situation and the safety instructions.
Corsica is preparing to face storm Gabri this weekend. The Isle of Beauty was placed on orange rain-flood alert on Saturday evening by Météo France. The south-east of the island is particularly exposed, with record rainfall totals expected.
A depression context in the Mediterranean
According to meteorologists, a vast low pressure system currently reigns between Sardinia and Tunisia. Baptized Gabrithis phenomenon “drains an eastern flow from Italy to Corsica”, explains the Météo Chaîne. Several countries are also on red alert for intense rain and strong winds, such as Sardinia, Sicily and Calabria in Italy.
Sustained rain and thunderstorms this Saturday
From this Saturday morning, a cold and regular rain fell on the island, in particular on its eastern facade. The wind blows with force on sea and on land. Of the 3.5 meter hollow are expected in the Porto-Vecchio sector and the Bouches de Bonifacio. The risk of storms is also marked on the coast.
Significant amounts of rain are expected, of the order of 150 to 220 mm on the island’s reliefs.
Weather France
Worsening Sunday, snow in the mountains
On Sunday, the Gabri depression strengthens further, with sustained rains across Corsica. In mountainous areas, a snowstorm is expected above 1200 meters altitude. Accumulations of 150 to 220 mm are possible on the eastern slopes and summits.
Haute-Corse also concerned
If it is the south-east of the island which is the most exposed initially, Upper Corsica will also be affected during the night from Saturday to Sunday. The rains will intensify throughout the east of the island.
-Risks of floods and floods
With these exceptional rainfall amounts, the rivers risk overflowing their banks. Particular vigilance is required in areas usually subject to flooding. The coastline is not spared with accumulations of 40 to 60 mm expected, locally 80 mm.
A start to the year underwater for Corsica
After an already very wet autumn, Corsica is bearing the brunt of these new bad weather conditions. The island is struggling to recover from previous Mediterranean episodes. Waterlogged soils increase the risk of flooding and landslides.
End of the episode scheduled for Sunday evening
According to forecasters, the rains should ease by the end of the day on Sunday. The wind will also gradually weaken. However, the greatest caution remains in place in the face of these exceptional weather conditions.
Safety instructions and vigilance for all
The authorities are calling on the population to be extremely vigilant throughout the weekend. It is strongly recommended not to approach watercourses and the coastline. Travel must be limited to the strict minimum.
Keep yourself informed of developments and follow the safety instructions.
The prefecture of Corsica
Faced with this Mediterranean episode of rare intensity, all of Corsica is holding its breath. Everyone hopes that Gabri will spare the Isle of Beauty as much as possible, already severely affected by bad weather in recent months. A vigilance which should continue for a good part of the week.
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