The meteorological institute points to a “non-exceptional winter episode” during which traffic conditions could be made difficult.
Météo France has placed five departments in the north of the country on orange alert for snow-ice phenomena, in its 6 a.m. bulletin published Wednesday January 8, 2025. The departments concerned are: Seine-Maritime from 2 p.m., Oise, Somme , the Nord and Pas-de-Calais from 4 p.m.
Up to 20cm locally
In more detail, the meteorological institute points to a “non-exceptional winter episode” during which traffic conditions could be made difficult. In fact, school transport is suspended in Hauts-de-France for the day, the region said.
“During the afternoon of Wednesday, the precipitation gradually moves towards the north of the country where temperatures remain very low. Upon contact with this cold air, the precipitation becomes snowy from Upper Normandy to Hauts-de-France. “, it is still indicated.
“Over the entire episode, we expect snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 cm, locally 10 to 15 centimeters in Hauts-de-France and even peaks of around 20 cm in the Pas-de department. -Calais”, specifies Météo-France.
“Some snowfall may occur” in the departments located to the south of those placed on orange alert, “but without major consequences” except for “Aisne where it is appropriate to monitor the situation,” the meteorological site further specifies. Météo-France predicts that snowfall will “weaken in the middle of the night from Wednesday to Thursday”. The episode is expected to end around 12 p.m. Thursday.
“State services are mobilized to monitor the evolution of the situation in connection with Météo-France” indicated the regional prefecture to AFP, possible orders restricting movement on Wednesday.
“Traffic conditions could be delicate in the areas concerned” warns Bison Futé in a press release, calling on all road users to “exercise caution” and to inform themselves before leaving.
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