Snow is sneaking back into Île-de-France this Thursday, as Météo France has placed all eight departments under an orange alert for snow and ice. Predictions suggest an accumulation of 1 to 7 cm, with some areas in the south possibly seeing up to 10 cm. This early snowfall is due to the west-to-east moving depression named CAETANO, which will bring consistent, albeit light to moderate, flurries throughout the afternoon.
The snowfall will commence around midday from the western parts of the region and is expected to continue until early evening. Claire Chanal, a forecaster at Météo France, notes that there will be a gradient in snowfall amounts, with the highest totals in the southwest Yvelines, tapering off toward the northeast. The snow will persist long enough to create challenging driving conditions as it hardens later in the day.
Initially, the snow may not stick, but with continuous snowfall and dropping temperatures overnight, it is likely to accumulate. Roads will become slippery and present a risk for black ice. Light snow showers are also expected to linger into Friday morning, further complicating conditions.
With the snow now classified as a level two alert on the snow and ice plan (PNVIF), speed limits throughout the region have been reduced by 20 km/h. Heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tons are banned from overtaking on key routes, underscoring the seriousness of the situation as authorities prioritize safety amid the wintry weather.
The article discusses the winter weather affecting Île-de-France, including an orange alert for snow and icy conditions. Météo France has warned about the potential accumulation of snow due to a weather front moving across the region. This timely warning aims to prepare residents and travelers for the expected hazards on the roads, especially with the combination of ongoing snowfall and plummeting temperatures providing a risk for hazardous travel conditions.
In summary, Île-de-France is bracing for an early snowfall that could complicate travel and daily activities. With snowfall expected to accumulate significantly, particularly in the south, drivers should be vigilant of slippery roads characterized by black ice. Authorities have responded by reducing speed limits and restricting heavy vehicle movements, emphasizing the importance of safety amidst challenging winter weather conditions.
