The Côte-d'Or department is grappling with severe winter weather as Météo France has raised the alert level to orange for snow and ice, forewarning residents of the impending freezing rain. This weather phenomenon is set to impact the entire department from 6 PM to midnight, making roads perilous and, at times, nearly impassable.
According to reports, the situation on the roads has already prompted significant concerns, with authorities stating, "Circulation is particularly treacherous, especially on the A38 and A6 highways." The local council has mobilized road treatment teams to apply salt on heavily trafficked areas to mitigate the impacts of the icy conditions.
From 6 PM, the department began experiencing freezing rain, with many roads becoming extremely slippery. Motorists are receiving urgent messages about the importance of exercising utmost caution. "Anyone who can should postpone their travel plans," said one local official. For those who must drive, equipping vehicles with winter tires and extending following distances is highly recommended.
The most affected routes include the A38 from Pouilly-en-Auxois toward Dijon, where travel has been deemed nearly impossible, and the A6, which reported multiple accidents resulting from the treacherous conditions. Several vehicles have collided, and traffic updates state incidents of cars stopping on the hard shoulder of the road due to the hazardous ice.
Emergency services are on high alert, responding to numerous incidents. Recent reports detail at least 16 accidents necessitating immediate assistance, including significant crashes involving multiple vehicles along the route from Dijon to Beaune. Tragically, one accident has resulted in the death of one individual, with around 35 others suffering various injuries.
The perilous conditions extend beyond the highways; the freezing rain has rendered urban areas like Dijon and its surrounding metro practically impassable. The leader of the transport authority indicated, "Bus services have been suspended indefinitely; the icy streets are simply too unsafe for operation." Their message extends beyond logistics; they are urging residents to heed safety recommendations.
Road safety experts reiterate the need for caution. They advise drivers to embrace slower speeds and maintain larger following distances to accommodate the unavoidably longer stopping times on slick surfaces. With reports of stalled vehicles on the A31 near Dijon and significant build-up on other major routes, the situation becomes more dire.
Authorities have implemented restrictions on heavy vehicles weighing over 7.5 tons on several highways, underscoring the seriousness of the weather and its impacts on safe passage. "We are doing everything we can to keep the main arteries clear and navigable, but we cannot stress enough the importance of remaining indoors and off the roads if possible," officials explained.
Given the rapid development of the weather situation, the prefecture of Côte-d'Or is continually updating the public on current conditions via local news and traffic alerts. The freezing rain is expected to linger, causing persistent hazards on the roads.
Despite efforts to clear the highways, authorities are working tirelessly as the situation remains volatile. Road crews have reported their operations underway on the A38 and the Beaunois region, where they prioritize salting measures to assist with the safe flow of traffic.
Overall, public transportation users and road travelers are forewarned of the dangers presented by the icy conditions. Social media channels are flooded with updates and safety tips as citizens navigate the problematic road conditions. Local business owners express concern over the economic impacts of these disruptions, as fewer customers venture out.
François Sauvadet, president of the Côte-d'Or department, urged residents on social media to remain patient during this challenging weather event as ground teams worked on their behalf to restore normalcy. "We are all experiencing frustration, but our safety is the top priority. Please stay safe and cautious as we weather this storm together," he noted.
With the alert level sustained through the night, Côte-d'Or finds itself grappling with the aftereffects of nature's fury, reminding all who are affected to prioritize their safety above all. Where possible, staying updated via local news and traffic applications is advised as each person navigates this unusual winter event.