Today : Jan 06, 2025
04 January 2025

Winter Storm Warnings Issued Across Northeast France

Météo-France alerts citizens about snow and freezing rain hazards this weekend.

Météo-France has issued yellow weather alerts for snow and ice across 30 departments, as winter storm conditions are expected to hit northeastern France starting Saturday evening, January 4, 2025.

The national meteorological agency cautioned citizens to exercise caution on roads and sidewalks due to the anticipated icy conditions. Among the departments affected are Aisne, Allier, Aube, Calvados, and the Paris region, with the alerts expected to remain in effect until at least the following morning.

According to reports from Météo-France, the night preceding the storm was marked by calm and cold temperatures, contributing to extensive frost throughout the northern half and eastern parts of the country. Therefore, 16 other departments have also been placed under orange alert as the storm approaches.

The agency warns of strong precipitation by midday on Saturday, primarily affecting the mountainous regions and later moving toward the northern regions. Rainfall on cold ground can temporarily make roads slippery, heightening the risk of accidents.

Temperatures during this period are expected to be quite low, with maximum highs reaching only 4°C across the northern half of the country, whereas milder temperatures from 10 to 17°C are forecasted for the southwest. Perpignan and Ajaccio are predicted to have the highest temperatures among the Mediterranean regions at 14°C.

Further specifying the impacts, Seine-Maritime will enter orange alert status by the evening of January 4, on account of anticipated snowy and icy conditions due to rain mixing with cold air. Météo-France anticipates "freezing rain" to complicate travel from Saturday night to Sunday morning.

"The storm will bring with it considerable moist air meeting cold conditions, producing snowfall and especially icy rains," the agency stated, underscoring the need for public diligence as conditions could become particularly treacherous.

Sixteen northeastern departments are on high alert, including Ardennes, Marne, and Vosges, as snowfall may accumulate significantly alongside slick conditions caused by freezing precipitation. Météo-France reported, "the freezing rain could persist for 1 to 3 hours, causing travel difficulties, even with light icing."

Viewing the winter conditions closer to the impacted zones, Météo-France advised caution as the storm travels southeast with the expectation of travel disruptions via short bursts of snowfall followed by icy rains.

Weather forecasts have been updated and are likely to evolve as the situation develops, with Météo-France conducting regular assessments. The first signs of weather change will be closely monitored, with advisories being communicated to the public.

Residents are reminded to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions to avoid hazardous driving conditions as the storm progresses. The agency’s updates will continue throughout the event to guide the communities affected.

The storm is expected to pass through quickly, with rising temperatures anticipated on the morning of Sunday, January 5, signaling the retreat of the cold spell and bringing rain instead of snow.

Public safety remains the focus as Météo-France continues to evaluate and issue updated forecasts through the storm's duration, emphasizing stringent vigilance against the impacts of ice and snow.