Motorway crash, drivers stranded, power cuts: Storm Caetano wreaks havoc across France

Northern France is still reeling from the passage of Storm Caetano this morning (November 22), after passing through the country yesterday.

A serious accident last night on the A6B near Paris which saw a bus overturn has left at least five people hospitalised in critical condition and a further 31 injured. 

Four cars and a motorbike were involved in the accident.

Drivers of both cars and HGVs were amongst those stranded overnight in parts of eastern and northern France, after heavy snowfall led motorways to be completely blocked.

More than 250,000 homes were facing electricity outages, mainly in Brittany, Normandy, and the Pays de la Loire yesterday evening, and 200,000 remain without power.

Train routes services in the north remain cancelled or reduced, particularly in Normandy

Snow has settled in many areas, including in Paris, where up to 4cm fell – the highest in 56 years.

 The Eiffel Tower is temporarily closed to visitors. 

Read more: Photos as snow falls – and settles – across France

Despite no further snowfall, dozens of departments in the north still face heightened tier-three weather alerts for snowy and icy road conditions, which will last until at least midday.

Transport affected

Transportation has been particularly affected by the storm, including rail and road travel. 

Train services in the Île-de-France, Brittany, Nouvelle Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire regions are impacted by fallen trees and other obstructions. 

In Normandy, no services will run until midday, with further delays possible. 

A train near Argentan (Orne) in the region had to be evacuated last night, after a fallen tree blocked its path on the tracks. The 200 or so passengers had to spend the night in a local gymnasium.

It is recommended to check your journey on the SNCFConnect website or local alternatives before travelling.

Flights from Paris’ Orly and Charles de Gaulle were impacted by the snowfall yesterday, however today there seems to be little disruption. Delays on some flights are expected, however.

School transportation in many regions including Normandy, Île-de-France, and the Grand Est has been cancelled, either until midday or for the entirety of Friday. 

Drivers faced heavy traffic in the north, with accidents and fresh snowfall late into the evening leaving some drivers stranded overnight. 

Read more: 4 tips to stay safe and check icy roads in real-time in France

Traffic came to a halt on the A28 and A36 motorways, with hundreds of trucks parked along the asphalt of the latter, as up to 20cm of snow fell in the east of France.

As of 11:00 today, around 5,000 vehicles, many of them trucks and lorries, are still stuck on the A36 and unable to move due.

A temporary decree banned lorries from driving on the motorway until 14:00, leaving them stuck in place. Drivers are recommended to avoid the road until the decree is lifted and traffic begins to clear.

In all circumstances, the situation should improve throughout the day as temperatures rise and snow begins to clear. 

A sharp rise in temperatures is expected on Sunday. 

Read more: Temperatures to rise 10C or more: French weekend weather outlook November 23 - 24