28 departments placed on orange vigilance from Thursday

An early winter episode

According to the national vigilance bulletin published by Météo France this Wednesday, November 20, a major snow episode affects a large part of France from Thursday. The Caetano depression, which crosses the country from west to east, causes significant snowfall on an axis going from northern Brittany and Normandy to the Grand Est.

The 28 departments placed on orange “snow-ice” vigilance are divided into three large zones. In Île-de-France, the eight departments are concerned: Paris (75), Seine-et-Marne (77), Yvelines (78), Essonne (91), Hauts-de-Seine (92) , Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Val-de-Marne (94) and Val-d’Oise (95). In the west and north-central, the affected departments are Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Manche (50), Calvados (14), Orne (61), Eure (27) , Seine-Maritime (76), Mayenne (53), Sarthe (72), Eure-et-Loir (28), Loir-et-Cher (41) and Loiret (45).

Finally, in the east of the country, vigilance extends to Aube (10), Yonne (89), Haute-Marne (52), Côte-d'Or (21), Vosges ( 88), Haute-Saône (70), Doubs (25), Territoire de Belfort (90) and Haut-Rhin (68). These regions could record snow accumulations reaching up to 5 cm in the plains, or even locally 10 cm in areas located above 200 to 300 meters above sea level. In the east of Franche-Comté, accumulations could reach 15 to 20 cm.

Strong winds

If the departments located to the north of the depression are mainly affected by snow, those located further south must face violent winds. Gusts, which can exceed 100 km/h, particularly affect the Atlantic coasts from Aquitaine to Pays-de-la-Loire, up to the Massif Central. Météo France indicates that a change to orange vigilance for «vent violent» is likely in future updates.

It is advisable to limit travel in the areas concerned, to check winter equipment for vehicles and to keep informed of the instructions of local authorities.