France Implements Emergency Measures as Severe Winter Weather Hits

French local authorities have activated multiple emergency protocols in response to the severe winter weather forecasted for December 25, 2025. In Seine-et-Marne, a level 1 yellow vigilance warning for extreme cold has been declared, with temperatures expected to reach -8°C in the morning and -2°C in the afternoon. To protect vulnerable populations, including the homeless, the government has extended day shelter hours, increased outreach patrols, and opened 27 emergency shelter places at Collège de Tournan-en-Brie, managed by the Empreintes association and accessible 24/7.

Simultaneously, the Seine-Maritime prefecture triggered its winter emergency plan at the 'cold weather' level due to temperatures between -5°C and -10°C. This includes opening nearly 390 additional shelter places across sites in Le Havre and Rouen, such as Site Moquet and Gymnase Graindor, with enhanced outreach and daytime support services.

In the Finistère department, authorities issued a yellow alert for snow, ice, and wind. Prefect Louis LE FRANC advised the public to reduce speeds during travel and exercise caution in weather-sensitive activities, especially near water. Speed limits may be enforced on the Iroise bridge in Brest, with updates available from Météo France and Bison Futé.

Officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and solidarity to aid those at risk, encouraging the public to report individuals in distress via the social emergency number 115. Enhanced resources will continue to be mobilized as needed under the Prefect's authority to mitigate the impact of the cold wave and support rapid reintegration into stable housing.