Severe storms lead to delay in school commencement in the regions of Var and Bouches-du-Rhône
The start of the school year in Var and Bouches-du-Rhône has been pushed back by one day, now scheduled for Tuesday, September 2nd. This decision affects all schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, and will impact approximately several hundred thousand children.
The local prefects of these departments made the decision due to the risk of floods caused by an incoming storm. This storm is part of a Mediterranean episode and is expected to hit Var and Bouches-du-Rhône around 2 am.
The storm has already caused flooding in some areas, as seen in Gers, and has reached Auvergne and Burgundy at around 6 pm on August 30th. Meteorologist Nemo Pawlowski from Météo-France warns of potential flooding and runoff problems if the storm gets stuck in the metropolitan area, causing major circulation issues, including school transportation.
The delay is inconvenient, especially at the last minute, but the school closure is aimed at avoiding a similar scenario to that of September 4, 2024, when Marseille was hit by a comparable Mediterranean episode. A video shows intense wind and hail in an individual's garden, adding to the concerns about the storm's potential impact.
One family in the region whose daughters were supposed to start school will also be affected by the delay. The father of the family will have to take a day off to take care of their son due to the school closure.
As the storm moves over the Cévennes by 10 pm, residents in Var and Bouches-du-Rhône are advised to stay informed and prepared for any further updates. Parents received email notifications about the school closure on Monday, September 1st.
