Snow forces flight and train cancellations in France • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Orange Alert: A weather warning level in France indicating significant danger, requiring heightened vigilance.
• Black Ice: A thin, transparent layer of ice forming on roadways, extremely hazardous due to its near invisibility.
• TGV: Train à Grande Vitesse – French high-speed rail service.
• Eurostar/Talis: International high-speed train services.
• Travel Disruptions: Interruptions to transportation systems, including flight cancellations and train delays.

Fatalities and Current Conditions – France, Wednesday

Five fatalities occurred across France on Tuesday due to snowfall and icy conditions. Three deaths were attributed to black ice in the Loir-et-Cher département (region) in southwestern France, stemming from two separate incidents. Two further deaths resulted from separate motor accidents in the Paris region.

Currently, on Wednesday, snow has returned to Paris. The reported temperature is -2°C, but the wind chill makes it feel significantly colder, estimated at -9 to -10°C. French authorities have issued an orange alert due to the heavy snow and resulting icy conditions. This alert signifies a level of danger requiring increased preparedness and caution.

Travel Disruptions – Paris Region & National Impact

The severe weather is causing substantial travel disruptions. As of Wednesday morning, approximately 140 flights have been cancelled across Paris’s airports. Specifically, 100 flights were cancelled at Charles de Gaulle Airport (Shal) and 40 at Orly Airport.

Beyond air travel, significant delays and cancellations are impacting rail services. Disruptions are reported on the Eurostar (connecting Paris to London), Talis (international high-speed trains), and the TGV (France’s domestic high-speed rail network).

Authorities are strongly advising commuters to avoid roadways if possible. A ban has been implemented, prohibiting lorries (trucks) from travelling on roads within the Paris region on Wednesday.

Forecast and Expected Improvement

The current conditions are expected to improve tomorrow, with forecasted high temperatures reaching 10°C and a shift to rainy weather. However, as of the current report, the snow is expected to persist throughout Wednesday.

As Dano Duza stated, while reporting live from the Paris suburbs, “the snow looks like uh it's set to stay uh this…” indicating continued hazardous conditions for the remainder of the day.