The Orne, like neighbouring Manche and Calvados, is under an orange warning for violent winds as Storm Austen arrives. The orange warning takes effect at 6 a.m. on Friday 23 October 2026. A yellow warning begins at midnight.
The orange wind warning will run alongside a yellow rain and flood warning until 2 p.m., then a yellow thunderstorm warning from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. According to Météo-France, gusts of up to 110 km/h are expected in the Orne.
The prefect of the Orne has ordered restrictions on the department’s national road network for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, vehicles with trailers, two-wheelers and camper vans. Those vehicles are banned from overtaking, and their maximum authorised speed is reduced by 20 km/h, in order to limit risks linked to the violent winds. Road users are asked to adapt their driving to the weather, to take extra care on roads lined with trees and to limit their journeys.
Rail services will be interrupted on all Norman lines on Friday 23 October. A gradual resumption is envisaged on the afternoon of Saturday 24 October, subject to how the weather develops and to the safety checks required on the infrastructure. Travellers are asked to bring their trips forward or postpone them, and to check updated information on the SNCF Nomad Train website before going to a station.
The prefect of the Orne is calling for the greatest vigilance during the episode. Possible consequences include power and telephone cuts, damage to roofs and chimneys, falling branches or trees, vehicles shifted by gusts, and traffic disruption, especially on secondary roads and in forested areas. People are asked to limit travel, follow the safety advice and follow the warning on the Météo-France website.