The Alpes-Maritimes department is placed this Thursday, October 23rd, under orange alert for strong winds and yellow alert for thunderstorms. Storm Benjamin is crossing the region with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h in some areas. Nice has activated its crisis plan and closed all parks, gardens, and cemeteries.
Since Wednesday, October 22nd, Météo-France has placed the Alpes-Maritimes department on yellow alert for “wind”. The first preventive measures were taken as early as the day before by the city of Nice. The mayor then decided to close, starting at 11:30 am this Thursday, “all parks, gardens, and cemeteries in the city (accessible for burials, Editor’s Note).” The Promenade du Paillon, between the Bourgada viewpoint and the exhibition center, also remains inaccessible all day.
This morning, the weather situation worsened. Météo-France increased the alert: yellow “thunderstorms” since 8 a.m., then orange “wind” from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The strongest gusts are expected between Levens and the Nice hinterland, with peaks reaching up to 130 km/h at the height of the phenomenon. On the coast, wind speeds are expected to vary between 85 and 100 km/h depending on the municipalities.
In Nice, gusts of up to 85 km/h are expected, 90 km/h in Antibes, 95 km/h in Théoule-sur-Mer, and up to 100 km/h in Grasse. Menton and Saint-Martin-du-Var are also expected to experience winds close to 90 km/h. These conditions should persist until the evening, with a gradual return to calm expected around 8 p.m.
Faced with this situation, the municipality activated at 12 p.m. the Communal and Metropolitan Command Post at the Town Hall. The purpose is to monitor real-time conditions and coordinate interventions across the territory. “The services of the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis are fully mobilized to handle any eventuality throughout the territory”, specified the city hall.
Closures and Safety Instructions
Several measures have been taken to limit wind-related risks. The closure of green spaces applies to the entire municipal territory. Cemeteries remain accessible only for burials. Access to the coastal path is also prohibited.
The municipality reminds the public of a series of safety instructions:
- Limit movements and seek shelter;
- Avoid walking along the coastline or in forests;
- Do not climb onto roofs or balconies;
- Secure objects, planters or outdoor furniture that could be blown away by the wind;
- Do not drive or park under trees.
These recommendations aim to prevent falling objects, uprooted branches, and accidents caused by sudden gusts. Residents are urged to follow updates from Météo-France and municipal announcements.
Storm Benjamin, sweeping much of the French territory, places 19 departments under orange alert this Thursday. The Var, neighboring the Alpes-Maritimes, remains under yellow alert for now, although gusts reaching 100 km/h are also possible in the day.
In Nice, the “Castagnada” planned for today on Place Louis-Pin is postponed to Tuesday, October 28th. The decision was made as a precaution, given the weather conditions.
Since 8:30 a.m. this morning, the vigilance cell of the communal PC is on watch. It continuously monitors developments transmitted by Météo-France. In case of worsening conditions or reported damage, the technical and civil safety services of the Metropolis are ready to intervene.
The population is called to caution, especially in wooded areas and along the coast, where wind may be amplified by reliefs and natural corridors.
Municipal and metropolitan teams will remain mobilized until the full lifting of the alerts. The prefecture and the city of Nice remind that any work on roofs or installations at height is to be avoided during the episode.
Storm Benjamin, by its intensity, marks a new windy autumn episode in the southeast of the country.
