‘Orange alert’ for snow and ice in north east France

The forecaster issued the alert - which is the second-most severe, just down from the highest “‘red” level - and warned inhabitants to be very careful in what could be dangerously-icy conditions, especially when driving on the roads.

The departments of Aisne (02), Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Marne (51), Haute-Marne (52), Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (57), Nord (59) and Vosges (88) are affected, with snow, ice and icy rain expected to impact the region until Monday morning.

Residents were warned to be on high alert where more snow and ice may have accumulated on existing snowfall, causing dangerous and slippery areas.

The snow and ice could also affect electricity and telephone lines, said Météo France.

It advised residents to be very careful and only use the roads where absolutely necessary. It also warned drivers to have warm blankets and other provisions in the car with them should they get stuck in traffic or need to wait in their vehicle for several hours.

It also warned people to be careful when using heating equipment, and said not to use heat sources not designed for that purpose, such as cooking equipment or similar.

Haute-Corse and eastern Corsica was also warned to be alert to heavy rainfall on Sunday.