France: Orange weather alerts extented to 25 departments January 23 /update 1

Event

Orange weather alerts (the second-highest level on a four-point scale), for snow and ice were extended on Wednesday, January 23, to 25 departments across France: Aisne, Ardennes, Aube, Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Marne, Nièvre, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Paris et petite couronne, Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Somme, Yonne, Essonne, Val-d'Oise, Hautes-Pyrénées, Saône-et-Loire et Seine Maritime. Avalanches alerts were also issued in four departments, including Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and Hautes-Pyrénées. Between 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) of snow fell on January 22. Associated transportation disruptions (rail and road) were reported across France, notably in the Ile-de-France (including Paris and its surroundings) and Hauts-de-France regions. Further disruptions are expected in the coming hours. Weather conditions are expected to improve by Thursday afternoon but residual disruptions are possible in the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected departments are advised to monitor local weather reports and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.