Météo-France has placed twenty-eight departments in the north and north-east of France on orange alert for snow and ice due to“a winter episode requiring special attention” which is due to begin on Saturday January 4 in the evening.
“A disturbance associated with a lot of mild air will sweep across the entire country in a southwest-northeast direction on Saturday and overnight from Saturday to Sunday. In the departments in orange, this disturbance will encounter a mass of cold air, causing snowfall and especially freezing rain for a few hours, until the mild air takes over for good.according to the meteorologists’ bulletin.
Aisne, Ardennes, Marne, Haute-Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Bas-Rhin, Haut- Rhine, Seine-Maritime, Somme, Vosges and the Territoire de Belfort were first placed on orange vigilance, before being joined by the Ile-de-France departments, Orne, Eure-et-Loir, Eure, Côte-d’Or, Aube and Haute-Saône. Saturday around 5 p.m., the first precipitation reached the Orne in the form of rain “locally icy” according to Météo-France. Temperatures fell below 0°C in the east of the department and in Eure-et-Loir, and fell to -4°C in Dijonnais. But from 8 p.m., Eure-et-Loir and Orne returned to yellow alert.
Speed lowered by 20 km/h in Ile-de-France
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Snowfall should be quite brief, except in the border departments of the Grand-Est, where it could be more persistent and form a layer of 5 centimeters on the ground. “ Freezing rain then lasts between one and three hours, potentially causing traffic difficulties.adds Météo-France.
“Traffic conditions could be difficult in the affected areas”also warns Bison futé, who calls on road users to “use extra caution, as well as find out about changes in weather and traffic conditions before leaving”.
In Côte-d’Or, traffic was prohibited for around fifteen kilometers on the A38, west of Dijon, the freezing rain having made the roadway very slippery, according to the prefecture. On the A6, several material accidents were observed, in particular near Beaune where the motorway was cut to facilitate the intervention of emergency services. In several regions, authorities have limited the speeds allowed on the roads.
In Ile-de-France, traffic speed is lowered by 20 km/h from 5 p.m. to midnight, on “all the axes of the road network”except the Paris ring road, announced the prefecture in a communiqué. The prefecture calls for « vigilance » and to the « prudence »recommending in particular to favor public transport, to equip your car with snow tires and to provide a “minimum equipment (warm clothing, food, water)” in case the vehicle is immobilized by the weather.
Measures are also taken regarding heavy goods vehicles: in the Dawnfrom 6 p.m., they will be prohibited from overtaking and will have to reduce their speed by 20 km/h on the entire road network then, from 7 p.m., their circulation will be prohibited on national roads and motorways.
In Côte-d’Or, Doubs, Jura and Territoire de Belfort, heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes will no longer be able to drive from 7 p.m. This ban will be extended from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to Marne, Haute-Marne, Haut-Rhin, Haute-Saône and Vosges.
France Braces for winter Storm: Freezing Rain and Snow to Disrupt Travel
With a notable winter storm expected to impact much of northern and eastern France, authorities have implemented various safety measures. Meteorologists anticipate a complex weather pattern leading to a mix of snowfall, freezing rain, and risky driving conditions. The World Today News spoke with Dr. Claire Martin, a renowned climatologist specializing in winter weather phenomena, to shed light on the situation.
Understanding the Storm’s Dynamics
The World Today News: Dr. Martin, can you explain the specific weather conditions that have prompted such widespread alerts?
Dr.Martin: This storm is characterized by a clash of air masses. A wave of mild air from the southwest is pushing across France, encountering a pre-existing mass of cold air in the north and east. This collision will lead to a mix of precipitation types depending on the location.
Geographical Variances in Impact
The World Today News: We’ve heard various reports predicting snow, freezing rain, and even potentially icy conditions. Can you tell us more about the expected geographical variations?
Dr.Martin: The impacted areas will experience a mixture of precipitation. Snowfall is most likely in the eastern departments bordering Germany and Switzerland, where the cold air mass is stronger. Further west, we anticipate freezing rain, which is notably dangerous as it forms a layer of ice on surfaces, making roads and walkways extremely slippery.
Transportation Challenges and Safety Measures
The World Today News: How are authorities preparing for the potential travel disruptions?
Dr. Martin: The French government has been proactive in issuing warnings and implementing safety measures. Speed limits have been lowered on major highways, and truck traffic has been restricted in certain areas to reduce the risk of accidents.
The World Today News: What advice would you give to citizens preparing for this weather event?
Dr. Martin: First and foremost, pay close attention to official weather updates and transportation advisories.If travel is non-essential, consider postponing it. If you must drive, slow down substantially, increase your following distance, and be prepared for changing road conditions. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, water, and non-perishable snacks.
