PARIS, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Fierce winds lashed much of France, including the capital, where "significant damage is expected," the country's weather agency forecasted on Monday.
The national forecaster Meteo France warned that heavy rains and winds were sweeping many areas in northern and eastern France. It placed 38 departments on orange alert, the second highest alert on the agency's scale, urging residents to be vigilant.
Winds are expected to reach up to 120 km/hr in central and northeastern zones. Large waves are expected on the Atlantic coast on Monday evening.
"It's a common storm occurring three to four times a year. However, it requires particular vigilance because of strong winds that will last for ten hours," the forecaster said.
The agency warned residents in affected areas to stay off the rooftops and to secure objects that are liable to be blown away.
In the French capital, "parks, gardens, squares and cemeteries are currently closed" due to expected strong winds at midday, tweeted Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris.
Paris police recommended "the highest vigilance notably on the roads."
The warnings are expected to last until Tuesday at 6 a.m. local time (0500 GMT).
