The two departments of Calvados and Orne are placed on “snow-ice” vigilance by Météo France for the entire day. We take stock of the situation at midday, department by department.
In Calvados, complicated traffic on the A84
The first snowflakes arrived at 6 a.m. this morning in Calvados, in the Virois countryside. The Departmental Council's salt spreaders were deployed in the Villers Bocage and Falaise sector, then quickly across the entire secondary departmental network. Traffic is complicated in places, particularly in the Vire sector.
The circulation of heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes was prohibited on the A84, but some trucks defied the order and found themselves in difficulty, particularly in the Gouvets sector in La Manche. The DIRNO (North West Roads Directorate) salt spreaders were still able to pass. But car traffic is tricky. A heavy goods vehicle storage area is being set up in the Caen Rennes direction near Grainville sur Odon (Calvados).
At midday, the Calvados prefecture announced that the circulation of heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes is also prohibited on the A13 motorway and the RN158 between Caen and Falaise. This midday, trucks are therefore only authorized to travel on the Caen ring road and on the Nationale 13, knowing that they must reduce their speed by 20 km/h and that overtaking is prohibited.
Several homes deprived of electricity in Orne
In Orne, the first snowflakes also arrived around 6 a.m. in the west of the department in the Flers sector. The Caetano Depression is moving eastward. Accumulations of 10 to 15 cms of snow are expected in the coming hours.
As in Calvados, the entire road network in Orne is treated by salting operations. Around thirty machines have been engaged by the departmental council since the end of the night. Note that the circulation of heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes is prohibited on the entire road network until further notice. Except for tow trucks, milk collection and transport of live animals. Truck storage areas are set up on the A88 and A28 motorways, as well as on the RN12.
14 minor road accidents were recorded in connection with the meteorological episode in Orne. Furthermore, around 1,500 homes are without electricity in the Bagnoles-de-l'Orne sector. Enedis technicians are mobilized.
The prefecture also announces the triggering of the extreme cold plan. Daily patrols will be carried out and additional emergency accommodation places will be opened.
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