Heavy Snowfall Blankets Saint-Étienne and Massif Central, Triggering Orange Alerts

Snowfall overnight has disrupted travel in parts of central France, with three departments under orange weather warnings until Sunday morning.

Saint-Étienne and surrounding areas woke up to significant snowfall, with accumulations ranging from 2 to 20 cm depending on altitude.
Three departments—Creuse, Allier, and Puy-de-Dôme—remain under orange alerts for snow and ice, with warnings in effect until 10 AM Sunday.
Road conditions in the Monts du Lyonnais and Forez are challenging, with reports of delicate to difficult travel on key routes and in higher altitudes.
Météo France forecasts continued snowfall in affected regions, with heavier accumulations expected in higher elevations above 400 meters.
Local activities, including youth and senior sports competitions, have been postponed in Puy-de-Dôme due to hazardous weather conditions.