Severe thunderstorms hit Corsica

Corsica is experiencing severe weather conditions, with thunderstorms affecting the eastern part of the island since the night before. According to Météo-France, the storms are described as "intense and stationary," with rainfall accumulations potentially reaching very high levels, particularly in the south of Haute-Corse, at the commune of Solenzara.

Emergency services respond to weather threats

The fire and rescue service (SIS) of Haute-Corse reports about twenty interventions with safety measures in the department, which is under orange-level vigilance for "rain-flood" and yellow-level vigilance for "thunderstorms" and "floods." Precipitation is expected to continue over the east of the island until the end of the afternoon, with accumulations potentially reaching 200 to 300 mm.

Rainfall intensity and wind warnings

Rainfall intensities are generally expected to range between 20 and 30 mm per hour, with peaks temporarily reaching 50 mm per hour. A new deterioration is expected by the end of the day, with a more organized thunderstorm band crossing the island from west to east starting in the afternoon, bringing heavy rainfall, significant electrical activity, hailfall, and wind gusts that could reach 70 to 100 km/h.

Vigilance levels and regional impacts

Météo-France has raised the vigilance level for Corse-du-Sud to orange-level for "rain-flood" and remains at yellow-level for "thunderstorms." The Bastia region could be particularly affected around 7 p.m., with an improvement expected around 9 p.m. as the severe weather shifts toward Italy. The prefecture of Haute-Corse warns of strong waves on the beaches, making swimming dangerous on the eastern coast from Tuesday, October 20, at 12 p.m. until Wednesday, October 21, at 10 a.m.

Road closures and travel disruptions

Authorities recommend limiting movements, avoiding flooded roads, and not approaching waterways. Several roads in the region are closed, including the RT 10 in the Mignataja area, the RD 506 B on the commune of Penta-di-Casinca, the submerged bridge of Biguglia, the RD 344 heading to Ghisoni, and the RD 268 between the Bavedda pass and Ponte Grossu. Train traffic is likely to be heavily disrupted, with the Chemins de Fer de Corse advising travelers to reschedule trips if possible and to stay informed about traffic conditions.

Elevated flood warnings and potential for red alert

Southern Corsica has been placed under an Orange Flood Warning due to marked rainfall intensities and significant accumulations, with 70 to 100 mm of rainfall observed or more in localized areas. Météo-France has placed Haute-Corse under a red alert for "rain-flood," the highest level of alert, while Corsica-du-Sud is under an orange alert for the same phenomenon. Seven departments in the Southeast, from Hérault to Corsica, remained under orange alert on Wednesday, October 20, due to the Mediterranean weather event.