France Faces Intensifying Winter Weather with Multiple Departments Under Severe Snow and Ice Alerts

France is currently experiencing a significant cold spell, with several departments placed under severe weather alerts due to heavy snowfall, ice, and freezing temperatures. Starting January 6, 2026, widespread vigilance has been issued by Météo-France, signaling ongoing disruptions and safety concerns across the country.

The Sarthe department, initially set under green vigilance from noon on January 6, is expected to escalate to a yellow alert for snow and ice by the evening. Authorities there have proactively banned the circulation of heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tons starting at 3:00 AM on January 7 to protect road safety. School transport has also been suspended for the day, and speed limits have been reduced by 20 km/h with overtaking prohibited on open roads. Despite these measures, the area has already seen 10 minor accidents overnight, with emergency responders remaining on alert.

Similarly, Corrèze and Allier departments have been placed under orange vigilance for snow and ice starting midday on January 7. Corrèze is anticipating 2 to 5 cm of snowfall in lowlands and up to 10 cm in hilly areas, prompting the prefect to recommend limiting non-essential travel and ensuring that vehicles are winter-ready. The Allier department expects around 5 cm of snow accumulation and has suspended school transport amid warnings of difficult road conditions and increased accident risks. Authorities there have also alerted residents to possible disruptions in electricity and telephone services.

Pas-de-Calais joins these affected regions with an orange alert for snow and ice from 4 AM to 2 PM on January 7, with significantly slippery roads and sidewalks posing hazards to residents.

This cold snap has produced France's lowest temperatures in eight years, with a peak on January 6 where Toulouse experienced -8.5°C and Oise plummeted to -13.4°C. Snowfall has been heavier than forecast in certain regions, notably around Paris and the Atlantic coast, where 5 cm to 20 cm accumulations were recorded. Currently, 38 departments in northwestern France remain under orange alert, with forecasted snow accumulations of 3 to 7 cm in areas from Hauts-de-France to northern Centre, heightening concerns over transport and daily life.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has criticized Météo-France for underestimating the snowfall's impact in Île-de-France, citing unprecedented traffic jams exceeding 1,000 kilometers.

In response to these adverse conditions, local authorities emphasize caution, urging residents to restrict travel, prepare vehicles adequately, and stay informed about evolving weather updates. Emergency crews, including firefighters and gendarmerie, remain mobilized to respond promptly to incidents and support public safety as the situation develops.