Snow alert in Normandy

AN ORANGE weather alert - the second highest of four levels - has been issued for three departments in Normandy because of heavy snow.

Calvados, the Orne and the Eure are affected by the warning, with up to 15cm of snow forecast in hilly areas today. Southern parts of the Manche could also experience snow.

Météo France said it was particularly late in the year for snow - but the bad weather should not be as hazardous as that experienced across large parts of northern France in mid-March.

The alert remains in place until at least 6.00 on Saturday morning.