Updated on 22/11/2024
The Orne department was released from ORANGE “snow-ice” vigilance at 12 p.m. by Météo-France but remains placed on YELLOW vigilance. The crisis unit in the prefecture remains operational until the end of the climatic episode.
1. Road traffic
The improvement in weather conditions and the lifting of the ORANGE level alert by Météo France makes it possible to lift the traffic ban measures in force since yesterday morning. Thus, the following measures are lifted with immediate effect on the entire road network excluding motorways:
- Ban on the circulation of all vehicles on the A28 between exit 15 (Sées) and exit 17 (Orbec) in both directions of traffic.
- Ban on school transport in Orne
- Ban on the circulation of heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on the entire road network
- Ban on public transport
- Ban on the circulation of any vehicle in forest areas
At this stage, the zonal traffic bans for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes remain in force for the A88 and the A28 until winter serviceability is fully ensured.
On the A28, traffic was blocked in both directions due to heavy goods vehicles jackknifing at the Gacé slope, which was particularly steep and icy. Since 12:00 p.m., light vehicle traffic has been able to resume in both directions by gradually and safely stopping heavy goods vehicles in the right lane. All 200 immobilized heavy goods vehicles which violated the prefectural traffic ban order will be fined €135.
Traffic conditions are improving on part of the department's road network, in particular thanks to the action of road officials and the numerous road treatment operations carried out since yesterday.
Since the start of the snow storm, 184 interventions have been carried out by the SDIS. There were 12 minor injuries, not particularly serious.
The department remains placed on YELLOW snow/ice level vigilance until tomorrow. The prefect of Orne calls for everyone to be vigilant and to respect the cautionary instructions for road users and invites them to adjust their driving according to local weather conditions.
2. Power cuts in progress in the department
Last night, 36,500 homes were without electricity. 32,000 are still there this midday and 50 municipalities are completely without electricity. ENEDIS resources are fully mobilized with nearly 200 agents from Orne and other departments as well as service providers to restore power as quickly as possible. Sensitive points are treated as a priority, in particular EHPADs, drinking water production stations and telephone antennas. Full restoration of the electricity network in the department will take several days.
Any incident or anomaly observed must be reported to Enedis via the number 09 726 750 61 (reachable 24/7). “Patients at high vital risk” (PHRD) are identified and are contacted or in the process of being contacted. 4 home visits were made to check the patients' situation.
3. Telephone network
Due to a lack of power supply, the telephone network is cut or defective in 95 municipalities in the department. In the event of an emergency and in the absence of a telephone connection, go directly to the nearest SDIS emergency center.
4. Rail traffic
The 162 passengers stranded at Argentan station since yesterday evening were able to be taken into five buses to be transported to their final destination on the Paris-Granville line beyond Argentan.
5. Triggering of the extreme cold plan
At the same time, due to the temperatures forecast for the coming days, the prefect has triggered the severe cold plan until Monday November 25, 2024. Daily raids are carried out and additional emergency accommodation places are open.
6. Behavior Tips
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The prefect of Orne greets and thanks for their commitment all the staff, firefighters of SDIS 61, gendarmes, police officers, agents of the Departmental Council, Enedis technicians, employees and volunteers of associations, mobilized since Thursday morning in the whole department.
