Vigilance Orange: Snow and freezing rain in 28 départements from Thursday

In its bulletin issued on Wednesday 20 November, Météo-France announced that 28 départements were under an orange alert due to the risk of snow and freezing rain. This alert follows the passage of the low-pressure system Caetano, which is expected to cause weather disturbances from tomorrow, Thursday 21 November.

Snow and freezing rain: a risk extending from the Atlantic coast to the east of France

The snow will start to fall on Thursday, mainly affecting the regions of Brittany, Normandy and Burgundy-Franche-Comté. A rain-snow border will cross the country, stretching from Nantes to the Île-de-France region. The precipitation is expected to affect in particular the départements placed on orange alert, with snow totals of up to several centimetres, particularly in the Île-de-France region and in the regions further east.

Departments affected:

– Côtes-d’Armor
– Ille-et-Vilaine
– Calvados
– Eure
– Manche
– Orne
– Mayenne
– Sarthe
– Eure-et-Loir
– Loir-et-Cher
– Loiret
– Aube
– Yonne
– Haute-Marne
– Côte d’Or
– Vosges
– Haute-Saône
– Doubs
– Territoire de Belfort
– Haut-Rhin
– Paris
– Seine-et-Marne
– Yvelines
– Essonne
– Hauts-de-Seine
– Seine-Saint-Denis
– Val-de-Marne
– Val-d’Oise

Snowfall of up to 20 cm in some areas

Météo-France forecasts that the snow could accumulate between 1 and 3 cm over Paris and its inner suburbs, while heavier accumulations are expected over the regions to the east, with up to 20 cm of snow at altitude, particularly around Belfort. Brittany and Normandy will not be spared, with accumulations varying from 2 to 5 cm, and values of up to 10 cm in the Normandy hills. The snow, being particularly wet, could make transport conditions difficult.

Violent winds expected over the Atlantic coast and the Massif Central

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds are expected, particularly along the coasts of Aquitaine, Pays-de-la-Loire and as far south as the Massif Central. Gusts in excess of 100 km/h are possible, which could lead to an orange ‘strong wind’ warning being issued in the next few hours.

In view of these extreme weather conditions, caution is advised, particularly when travelling by car or on foot in the areas concerned.