1 The french « meteorological vigilance » procedure METEO-FRANCE Gérard Le Bars

2 The french « meteorological vigilance » procedure The old procedure : before october The new vigilance procedure. An european project.

3 Background : The severe weather warning procedure until 1st october 2001 Phenomena : rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, snowfalls, ice and coldwave. Based only on messages/bulletins. Included two production levels : the national and regional level.

4 Regional level Messages BRAM : exceeding thresholds (rain, snow, wind,…) defined with regional civil safety authorities. Issued 12 to 6 hours in advance. National level In case of very intense and widespread events : messages ALARME. #10/year 12 to 36 hours in advance. The severe weather warning procedure until 1st october 2001

5 Too many bulletins (esp.for thunderstorms). General public not well informed (storms in 1999). (technical words, public not directly warned,…) Meteorological events not qualified. No advice on behaviour. THE WEAKNESSES OF THE OLD PROCEDURE

6 THE NEW VIGILANCE PROCEDURE Two parts : The meteorological vigilance charts. A follow-up of the meteorological situation when dangerous phenomena are foreseen.

7 FOR WHOM ? Services in charge of safety (ministry, civil protection services, firemen, etc..) at national, regional and local levels. Média. General public.

8 Carte de vigilance du 8 septembre 2002

9 The meteorological vigilance chart It defines for the next 24h the potential meteorological danger. 4 levels of vigilance, each one associated with a colour (green, yellow, orange, red)

10 The meteorological vigilance chart The weather phenomena : strong winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms, snow/blackice, avalanches The chart is issued twice a day, broadcast at 06 and 16, and updated if necessary.

11 Définitions of the four levels of vigilance Green (level 1) : No special vigilance required Yellow (level 2) : Be careful if you practise activities dependent on meteorological risks ; some phenomena, usual for the area but occasionally dangerous (for instance mistral, thunderstorms ) are forecast ; keep informed about meteorological evolution.

12 Définitions of the four levels of vigilance Orange (level 3) : Be very vigilant ; dangerous meteorological phenomena are forecast ; keep informed about meteorological evolution and follow authorities’ advices. Red (level 4) : An absolute vigilance is required ; dangerous and exceptionnally intense meteorological phenomena are forecast ; be regularly informed about meteorological evolution and conform to the orders given by the authorities.

13 CRITERIA TO HELP IN THE CHOICE OF THE COLORS ON VIGILANCE MAP Weather phenomenonCriteria for issue yelloworangered Heavy WINDS (gust, storms ) Widespread Gust in plain > 80 à 100 km/h Widespread Gust > 100 à 130 km/h inland, Widespread Gust > 130 km/h inland Heavy rains Depends on the regional context (30 à 60mm/24h) Depends on the regional context (60 à 100mm/24h) Depends on the regional context Thunderstorms Whatever Thunderstorm Widespread organized thunderstorms No standard criteria Snowfalls / Black Ice In plain, snow lasts on ground, isolated freezing rain Depends on the regional context Not necessary heavy snowfall (can be five or ten cms in plain, if lasts on the ground at least a few hours) More than 10 cm at least in plain or generalized blackice avalanche 15/12 – 30/04 risk 3 or 4 on the european scale 15/12 – 30/04 risk 5 on the european scale 15/12 – 30/04 risk 5 (+) on the european scale

14 when orange or red area : a concise text about the forecast phenomena Authorities’ advices.

15 Follow-up in orange or red situations A national bulletin : a leading message  the first one at the same time as the map.  the others every 6 hours A regional bulletin :  the first one sent at the same time as the map  the others every 3 hours

16 Follow-up in orange or red situations Meteorological situation description in clear language Observed and forecast data Qualification Authorities’ advice Time of next report issuance

17 On « push » mode ( + some fax) authorities responsible for safety media On « pull » mode Internet : All met reports are updated. Distribution

18 The new « meteorological vigilance » system » Difficulties to overcome: More pressure for the meteorological office and the authorities responsible for safety Revision of warning procedures for services in charge of safety. How we succeeded : With a permanent communication with our patners

19 EMMA : an European project EMMA : European Multiservice Meteorological Awareness. In the framework of the EUMETNET. An unique European chart. Expertise from each participating country.