Météo-France has placed three departments on orange snow and ice alert in Burgundy Franche-Comté this Saturday, January 4, 2025. The Côte-d’Or is affected and the road network is already impacted by freezing rain. Several sections of highways are closed and there have already been numerous accidents.
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Since 3 p.m. this Saturday, January 4, three departments in Burgundy Franche-Comté have been on orange snow and ice alert: Côte-d’Or, Haute-Saône and the Territoire de Belfort. And for good reason since freezing rains are underway.
ALSO READ: WEATHER. “Freezing rain is expected”: three departments on orange alert for snow and ice
According to Inforoute 21, traffic is prohibited on the A38 between Pouilly-en-Auxois and Sombernon due to very slippery road conditions. Salting operations are underway on the highway, but also in Beaunois. “On the rest of the road network, traffic conditions can be delicate, or even very difficult. The greatest caution is therefore recommended.”
Several accidents have been noted between Dijon and Beaune according to Autoroute Info. The A6, A31 and A36 are affected. The A6 is even cut in the direction of Lyon near Beaune following the accident involving four cars.
According to Inforoute21, it is a “episode of freezing rain to watch out for throughout the department. Supercooled rain is possible initially followed by rain on frozen ground.”
In Côte-d’Or, the road network has already been impacted since this afternoon. As a result, the prefecture has banned the circulation of heavy goods vehicles, vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, on several routes until 10 p.m.: A31, A36, A39, A6, A38, M274.
In Dijon, public transport is partly paralyzed. Buses are no longer able to operate at the moment. Traffic in town is difficult. “The freezing rains are underway and are transforming the roads and sidewalks into real ice rinks”according to Météo Côte-d’Or.
The orange snow and ice alert should be lifted at the end of the evening according to Météo France for the three departments in Burgundy Franche-Comté.
In the event of freezing rain, here are the measures to take while driving:
- Avoid sudden maneuvers and slow down. Avoid sudden accelerations and braking which can cause a skid.
- It is recommended to increase the safety distance between each vehicle.
- Regularly listen to traffic information bulletins in case the situation changes.
- If necessary, it is recommended to take a break while waiting for conditions to improve.
- Check your equipment before leaving.
