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One third of France under flood warning amid persistent rain

PARIS, May 31 (KUNA) -- At a time when weather is usually clement here ahead of summer, France has been hit by massive rain, hail and ice squalls, causing damage and disruption to transport and other services, data from "Meteo France" indicated.
The weather service said that 28 of France's 90 metropolitan "departments" or districts were placed under the second-highest "orange alert" after many were hit by hail and rain, as well as bizarre ice build-up on some roads.
Accompanying lightning and thunder has also caused problems and some injuries, Public Security services said.
In one freak incident in central Paris, several children and adults were struck by lightning after they took shelter when surprised by heavy downpour in a park.
The unusual weather pattern is due to continue for several days and some areas have received one month of rainfall in just one day, according to Meteo France.
In parallel, the major, grand-slam tennis tournament at Roland Garros outside Paris has been only partially functioning and there were no matches at all on Monday, with Tuesday also looking grim for a full programme. (end) jk.hb