Snow, Ice, and Flooding: Seven Departments on Orange Alert
This Thursday, January 9, a significant winter weather episode is affecting northern France, with heavy snowfall and flooding risks in several departments. Météo-France has placed seven departments under an orange alert for two types of hazards: snow-ice and flooding.
Snow and Ice Alert in Nord and Pas-de-Calais
The departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais have been under an orange alert for snow and ice since 3 p.m. on Wednesday. This alert remains in effect until midday on Thursday. Snowfall is occurring north of a line from Abbeville to Valenciennes, accumulating on the ground with totals ranging from 2 to 7 cm and reaching up to 15 cm in higher areas, such as the Boulonnais region.
These conditions have made travel difficult and even hazardous, especially in Pas-de-Calais, where snow-covered roads complicate movement. Consequently, heavy goods vehicles have been banned from secondary roads in both departments until midday Thursday. Additionally, school and intercity bus services have been suspended.
Flooding Alert in Five Departments
The departments of Ille-et-Vilaine, Calvados, Eure, Seine-Maritime, and Oise are under an orange alert for flooding, with the risk of significant overflow in several areas. The Seiche River in Ille-et-Vilaine, along with five sections monitored by Vigicrues, is particularly at risk.
In Calvados, a rain-snow weather front is expected to pass through, exacerbating already high water levels. Vigicrues anticipates significant overflows starting in the afternoon along the middle and lower Orne River, including the area around Caen, with potential flood levels comparable to or exceeding those of January 2018.
A Notable but Not Exceptional Winter Episode
Météo-France describes this episode as “not exceptional” but significant enough to disrupt travel conditions. Snowfall accumulations are expected to range from 5 to 10 cm overall, with local peaks of up to 20 cm in some parts of Pas-de-Calais.
Authorities are urging caution and reminding residents to follow safety guidelines, particularly drivers and those living near flood-prone areas. Stay updated on the situation through the latest bulletins from Météo-France and Vigicrues.
Snow, ice and floods: seven departments under orange alert, including five for floods in the northwest
Fires in California: more than a thousand homes destroyed and at least five dead in the devastating fires in Los Angeles
Budget 2025: Mélenchon denounces the ‘treachery’ and ‘servility’ of the ‘traditional left’ after a meeting at Bercy with the Socialist Party, the Ecologists and the Communist Party.
Essonne: what you need to know about the femicide in Brétigny-sur-Orge
The Israeli Defence Minister announces that the bodies of two hostages have been found in the Gaza Strip
Violent fires on the outskirts of Los Angeles force thousands of residents to flee, 2,300 hectares already ravaged
‘You will never find a Libyan penny in my campaign”: Nicolas Sarkozy defends himself at the trial into suspicions of illegal financing for 2007
Snow, ice and floods: seven departments under orange alert, including five for floods in the northwest
Fires in California: more than a thousand homes destroyed and at least five dead in the devastating fires in Los Angeles
Budget 2025: Mélenchon denounces the ‘treachery’ and ‘servility’ of the ‘traditional left’ after a meeting at Bercy with the Socialist Party, the Ecologists and the Communist Party.
Essonne: what you need to know about the femicide in Brétigny-sur-Orge