Storm Diego: Heavy rain, snow and strong winds to hit France

A strong windstorm named Storm Diego by Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) on April 6, 2022 is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and snow to France as it begins to move eastward across the country at around midday April 8. Diego will also affect Spain and reach Germany overnight Saturday. It is not expected to impact Portugal directly but it will bring heavy rain to certain parts of the country.

Storm Diego was still over the Atlantic Ocean at 04:00 UTC on April 8, with a minimum pressure of 993 hPa, according to data provided by Meteo France.¹

It is expected to start moving east across the country around midday, bringing heavy rain and winds up to 100 km/h (62 mph), with gusts to 110 km/h (68 mph) in central parts.

“This is a classic storm in terms of intensity, but unusual for the month of April,” Meteo France meteorologists said.

The strongest winds are expected in the Charente archipelago and the Massif Central.

Snowfall is expected in the Northern Alps until Saturday afternoon, April 9, fluctuating around 1 800 – 2 000 m (5 900 – 6 500 feet) on Friday and dropping down to 600 – 800 m (1 900 – 2 600 feet) on Saturday morning.

Between 60 cm and 1 m (2 – 3.3 feet) of snow is expected at altitudes around 2 000 m (6 500 feet), but more is possible in certain areas.

Some snowfall is even possible between Normandy and the German borders.

Numerous voluminous avalanches are possible above 1 800 – 2 000 m (5 900 – 6 500 feet).

References:

¹ National Vigilance Bulletin – Meteo France – posted on Friday 8 April 2022, 06:00

Featured image credit: Storm Diego at 07:30 UTC on April 8, 2022. Credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat-11, zoom.earth