Heavy snow and ice sparks alert

THE FIRST heavy snowfalls of the winter have prompted Météo France to put 23 departments, stretching from Normandy to Aveyron, on orange alert for snow and ice.

Heavy snowfalls of up to 10cm of snow are expected with black ice likely across a large area of France, the forecasters said. Snow clouds were moving down across France towards the Massif Central.

Drivers were warned that weather conditions would be dangerous and unnecessary trips should be avoided if possible. They were also told to make sure they were properly equipped for the weather and, as road conditions could turn bad very quickly, to be able to survive being stuck for a long period.

On Sunday six departments were on orange alert but this was extended to 23 this morning to cover: Orne, Mayenne, Sartres, Maine-et-Loire, Indre-et-Loire Loir-et-Cher, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, Indre, Cher, Charente, Haute-Vienne, Creuse, Allier, Dordogne, Corrèze, Puis-de-Dôme, Loire, Rhône, Lot, Cantal, Haute-Loire, Aveyron.

Temperatures will vary from -5C today to -10C in the middle of the week.

For the forecast in your area, check the Météo France website here