Severe winter storms have recently imposed significant disruptions across multiple regions, impacting travel, safety, and day-to-day activities as heavy snowfall and icy conditions prevail. Reports from Saskatchewan, Lebanon, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes provide insight on the effect of these storms, which have caused evacuations, school closures, and emergency responses nationwide.
Starting with Saskatchewan, difficult road conditions were reported throughout the province on Thursday morning due to strong winds and heavy snow. Residents of the mobile homes community Glen Elm, located in Regina, received eviction notices as conditions worsened. Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Public Schools Division announced the impending layoff of 80 educational assistants within the next two weeks as the storm's effects spread across the region.
Further east, Lebanon faced its own challenges as Storm Acil swept through the country, bringing substantial snowfall, torrential rain, and freezing temperatures. The snow began accumulating as low as 900 meters, covering several mountainous areas. The heavy precipitation, especially in the Bekaa Valley, resulted in floods and closed roads. Specifically, the Dahr el-Baydar route was shut to all vehicles Thursday morning due to significant snow accumulation, restricting access only to four-wheel-drive vehicles and those equipped with snow chains.
Officials reported several mountain roads, including those leading to Ainata al-Arz, Kfardebian, and Baalbek, being blocked by snow. Authorities have advised citizens to avoid these routes until weather conditions improve. "Civil defense units rescued passengers from 22 vehicles immobilized by snow across Lebanon," confirmed sources from the civil defense media department. They shared incidents involving stuck cars and light trucks near Dahr el-Baydar and other affected areas.
Lebanon is seeing record snowfall, as the snow has now covered the Qaraoun Dam and Lake for the first time this year, replenishing dry water sources compromised over the past months. Villages and towns situated over 1200 meters above sea level, including Deir el-Achayer and Kafrqouk, remain practically isolated under over 25 centimeters of snow. Traffic on key roads has become nearly impossible, with authorities advising against travel due to hazardous conditions.
On the other hand, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France is preparing for similar inclement weather as temperatures drop. A cold pocket of air forming over the northwest Paris region has triggered snowfall, particularly impactful during the weekend. Snowfall is expected across several areas, with significant accumulations anticipated on the summits of the Cévennes.
Météo France has forecasted between 50 to 80 centimeters of snow at altitudes around 1200 meters, affecting areas such as Haute-Loire, Ardèche, and Lozère. "The rain-snow line is predicted to rest around 400 meters," the agency reported, prompting winter weather alerts across these departments. Due to uncertainty about snowfall amounts, these authorities advised vigilance and preparedness.
Though areas around the Rhône Valley may see less snow, other regions are warned about strong winds, reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. Travelers heading to the Alps this weekend should find dry conditions, facilitating smoother journeys. Importantly, the RN90 will re-open to two-lane traffic on Friday following recent road failures due to rockslides.
Communities across various impacted regions must stay vigilant as winter storm conditions persist. Local governments and emergency services urge residents to remain informed through official channels, avoiding unnecessary travel. Evacuations and job losses due to adverse weather conditions serve as harsh reminders of the winter's growing impacts as storm patterns and climate change continue to shake the world.