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France Tightens Travel Curbs as Snow and Ice Trigger Orange Alerts in 38 Departments

A national crisis cell now directs a preemptive response ahead of a fresh midweek wave.

Overview

  • Météo-France placed 38 departments under orange vigilance for Wednesday, warning of heavy snowfall in the north and northeast and freezing rain in the west.
  • Authorities urged people to avoid travel, with Île-de-France residents told to work from home where possible as services prepare for renewed disruptions.
  • Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle will cut about 40% of flights between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Orly about 25% between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, after several regional airports closed Tuesday.
  • Traffic restrictions include bans on heavy trucks in the West and Île-de-France and a 70 km/h cap for light vehicles, while many bus lines remain suspended and regional rail faces slowdowns and interruptions.
  • At least five storm-related road deaths have been reported following record congestion above 1,000 km in Île-de-France, and the transport minister said the initial forecasts were under‑estimated.