Storm Kirk: Outdoor activities banned in Seine-et-Marne and school transport suspended

Storm Kirk, which is currently crossing France, has prompted the Seine-et-Marne prefecture to take exceptional measures. Outdoor activities such as forest walks, soccer matches and canoeing are prohibited from midday on Wednesday October 9 until midday on Friday October 11. This decision has been prompted by the orange alert for rain and flooding issued by Météo-France for the entire department.

Authorities insist on the need to remain vigilant in the face of a " remarkable " weather episode. With heavy precipitation and strong winds expected, people are strongly advised to limit their movements and avoid high-risk areas, particularly rivers. Failure to comply with the ban may result in a fine, as specified in the prefectoral decree.

The situation is particularly worrying around the Grand Morin river, where flooding is feared. According to Vigicrues, the lower reaches of this river are under orange flood alert, with alarming forecasts for the coming days. The ground, already saturated by previous bad weather, may not be able to absorb the 80 mm of rain expected in places, which could lead to major overflows.

The FrenchNational Forestry Office (ONF ) is advising people toavoid walking in the forest, pointing out that the weight of waterlogged leaves could cause trees or branches to fall. Watercourses and ditches, already saturated, are likely to worsen the situation, causing flash floods.

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The Seine-et-Marne Prefecture has also announced on Facebook that school transport will not be running this Thursday, October 10. It also recommends limiting or postponing travel, and strongly advises against approaching rivers, streams and flood-prone areas. Due to the heavy rainfall, sudden and dangerous reactions may occur, the Prefecture points out.

To ensure your safety during this episode of rain-flooding and high winds, here are a few recommendations:

• Limit your movements and avoid flood-prone areas.
• Stayaway from watercourses. Rivers can overflow rapidly and flooding can be dangerous.
• Shelter wind-sensitive items, such as garden furniture, which could be blown away or damaged.
• Don't park near trees or pylons, which can be blown over by the wind.
• In the event ofimminent flooding, switch off the electricity supply to avoid any risk of short-circuiting or electrocution.

This Kirk low-pressure system, which affects a large part of France, once again highlights the vulnerability of certain regions to extreme climatic events. Caution is therefore called for in Seine-et-Marne, where there is a real risk of flooding until the end of this exceptional episode.