ABOUT 50 departments across the north and west of France are preparing for up to two inches of snow today.

Météo France has given out an "orange" weather alert - its second highest level - and is warning drivers to take extra care on the roads.

Snow has already fallen in Normandy, the western corner of the Ile-de-France, Picardie and Pas-de-Calais.

It is expected to spread to the capital, the Pays de la Loire, Centre and Bourgogne later this morning, with daytime temperatures as low as -3°C.

Flights out of Orly, Charles de Gaulle and Beauvais airports could be disrupted.

Check the weather in your area here.