top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Snow and ice alerts in place across most of northern France

Drivers are urged to take extra care and to opt for public transport where possible

33 French departments are under orange snow and black ice alerts today Pic: Cloudy Design / Shutterstock

Thirty-three departments in the northern half of France are under orange weather alerts for snow and black ice today (December 14), as this week’s cold temperatures continue. 

The departments are: Côtes-d’Armor, Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan, Manche, Calvados, Orne, Mayenne, Sarthe, Eure-et-Loire, Eure, Seine-Maritime, Oise, Val d’Oise, Paris and its surrounding departments, Loiret, Seine-et-Marne, Aisne, Marne, Aube, Yonne, Meuse, Haute-Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Vosges, Territoire de Belfort, Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin. 

The surrounding departments are under yellow alerts for snow and ice. Further information can be found on the Météo France website.

Read also: Seven French cold weather phrases to see you through winter

This morning, the national forecaster has stated that the south of France is seeing noticeably milder temperatures, while cold air lingers over the north, with temperatures sitting around 0C or below. 

“The risk of icy conditions is high across all of the departments under an orange alert,” it said, adding that the nature of the precipitation forecast for today is not yet certain. 

“Icy rain should dominate in the south of the area under orange alert, while snow should dominate in the north, with around 2-5cm accumulating on the group, with a bit more in some areas, potentially up to 10cm.” 

Anne Lavaud of the Prévention routière road safety organisation has told Franceinfo that people needing to go out today should “keep further away from other cars” and “reduce their speed”. 

She said that cyclists should choose “a different mode of transport”.

The police prefecture of Ile-de-France also called on people in Ile-de-France to work from home today if possible and to take public transport rather than driving if not.

Several departments, including Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin did not run school buses this morning. 

In Paris, 20% of flights departing from Charles de Gaulle have been cancelled today, while at Orly the figure is 25%. 

Read more: France snow: hundreds of flights cancelled, three die in road crashes

Related articles 

Paris workers asked to work from home tomorrow amid snow and ice alert

Electricity, gas, wood, oil: do you qualify for heating aid in France?

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France