Extreme traffic congestion in the metropolitan area… Eiffel Tower observation deck closed until 1pm on the 22nd
Frozen Charles de Gaulle Airport
(Paris AP = Yonhap News) A significant amount of snow fell in France on the 21st (local time), causing flight delays at Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport. The photo shows an Air France aircraft standing on the airport runway. 2024.11.21. photo@yna.co.kr
(Paris = Yonhap News) Correspondent Song Jin-won = A large amount of snow fell throughout France on the 21st (local time), paralyzing transportation in various places and causing power outages.
The French Meteorological Agency forecasted an average of 1 to 5 cm of snow in the metropolitan area on this day, an average of 5 to 10 cm in Normandy, Brittany, Alsace and the south, and more than 20 cm in some places.
Daily Le Figaro and Le Parisien reported that many flights were delayed at Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport due to heavy snow.
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Authorities asked airlines to cancel 10% of flights this afternoon.
The airport explained, “More snow fell than initially forecast,” and “Employees have been mobilized to remove snow from the runway, de-ice aircraft, and ensure the safety of passengers. As a result, flights are being delayed.”
In a statement to AFP, Air France said: “We strive to ensure that passengers reach their destinations as quickly as possible, but last-minute cancellations and delays due to snow cannot be ruled out.”
Flight delays also occurred at Le Bourget Airport and Nantes Airport on the outskirts of Paris.
Train operations were also delayed on some high-speed railways (TGV) connecting major cities, and some Transilien lines connecting Paris and the suburbs were completely suspended.
Be careful on the road
(Fontainebleau AP = Yonhap News) A car is slowly passing by on a snow-covered road in the Fontainebleau region, southern Paris, France, on the 21st (local time). 2024.11.21. photo@yna.co.kr
Road traffic was also paralyzed, and as of 4 p.m. on this day, the congestion section in the metropolitan area alone reached 337 km, about three times the usual amount (100 km).
About 30 bus routes in Paris are also operating on shortened or significantly delayed routes.
Large and small traffic accidents occurred throughout the road, and in the north of Nantes, a tree fell and struck a passing vehicle, seriously injuring its occupants.
According to Enedis, a French transmission network operator, as of 4 p.m., power supply to 235,000 households across the country was cut off due to snowfall and strong winds. In particular, damage is severe in northwestern Normandy, Brittany, and the central Loire region, where there was a lot of snow.
As concerns about the safety of outdoor facilities grow, the Eiffel Tower management decided to suspend observatory operation until 1 p.m. on the 22nd.
The French Meteorological Agency issued an orange warning to 54 regions on this day and maintained the same warning for 31 regions, including the metropolitan area, on the 22nd.
Environment Minister Agnes Panier Runachere said, “This weather situation will continue into the night, and as temperatures drop below freezing, the snow will turn to ice,” and urged drivers to “be doubly careful tomorrow morning.”
Eiffel Tower covered in snow
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2024/11/22 02:09 Sent
How might the increased frequency of extreme weather events, like this snowstorm in France, impact urban planning and infrastructure development in the future?
## World Today News: Snowstorm Paralyzes France
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we delve into the significant snowfall that blanketed France, causing widespread disruptions across the nation. Joining me today are two experts who will provide insightful analysis on the situation: Dr. Pierre Dubois, a climatologist from Sorbonne University, specializing in European weather patterns, and Ms. Emily Laurent, a transportation and logistics analyst with a focus on European infrastructure.
Welcome to both of you.
**Dr. Dubois & Ms. Laurent:** Thank you for having us.
**Host:** Let’s begin by discussing the severity of this snowstorm.
Dr. Dubois, France is no stranger to winter weather. What made this snowfall particularly impactful?
**Dr. Dubois:** While France experiences snowfall annually, the amount and rapidity of this particular storm were unusual for this time of year. The combination of heavy precipitation and unusually low temperatures led to rapid snow accumulation, exceeding many forecasts.
**Host:** Indeed, the article highlights significant transportation disruptions. Ms. Laurent, can you elaborate on the impact this snowstorm had on France’s transportation infrastructure?
**Ms. Laurent:** The impact was far-reaching. Air travel was severely affected with major delays and cancellations at key airports like Charles de Gaulle. Railroad services, both high-speed and local commuter lines, experienced significant delays and even suspensions. Road travel was also heavily impacted, with major congestion and numerous accidents reported.
**Host:** The article also mentions power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of households. Dr. Dubois, can you explain the connection between the snowstorm and these power outages?
**Dr. Dubois:**
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds caused damage to power lines and infrastructure, leading to widespread outages.
**Host:**
Ms. Laurent, looking ahead, what are the potential long-term consequences of these transportation disruptions, especially for the economy?
**Ms. Laurent:** This sudden disruption can have a ripple effect on various sectors. Delays in logistics and transportation can result in supply chain bottlenecks, affecting businesses and consumers alike. The economic toll can be substantial, particularly for industries reliant on just-in-time delivery systems.
**Host:** Dr. Dubois, considering the severity of this event, do you foresee similar extreme weather events becoming more frequent in France and Europe in the future due to climate change?
**Dr. Dubois:** While it’s difficult to directly link any single event to climate change, the scientific consensus points towards an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events globally.
**Host:**
Ms. Laurent, what steps can France and other European nations take to better prepare for such extreme weather events and mitigate their impact on transportation and daily life?
**Ms. Laurent:**
Investment in resilient infrastructure is crucial. This includes weatherproofing critical transport networks,
developing early warning systems, and implementing contingency plans for severe weather disruptions.
**(Host):** Thank you both for providing such insightful analysis on this significant event.
This snowstorm serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of extreme weather events and the importance of being prepared.
For more coverage on this story and other global news, please visit world-today-news. com.
