Orange alert issued for snow and ice in north-east France

[Article updated on January 7 at 16:05]

Météo France has placed the northeastern departments of Meuthe-et-Moselle and Moselle under an orange weather alert for snow and ice today (January 7).

The state weather forecasting service has said that the precipitation will not last long but that the snow will stick to the ground and could cause people difficulties in trying to get around. 

Currently, there is only light snowfall in the area, but from 22:00 tonight conditions will worsen over Lorraine, and especially Meurthe-et-Moselle. The snow will move over towards Moselle in the early hours of the morning.

Around 0.5-1cm of snow is expected to fall each hour overnight, with 1-3cm/h forecast for some areas. 

Weather conditions should return to normal by tomorrow morning, with just a few snow showers expected over the Vosges mountains. 

Some 56 other French departments are also under yellow alerts for snow, ice, wind and avalanches. You can find out more on the Météo France website. 

Do I need to do anything? 

People in areas affected by heavy snowfall should try to stay at home if possible, and make sure that vehicles are fitted with appropriate winter equipment. 

It is also recommended that they take food supplies and a blanket with them if they go out in their car. 

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