Winter Weather Disruptions Ease as School and Public Transport Resume Across French Regions

As of January 8, 2026, French regions affected by severe winter weather are witnessing a gradual resumption of school and public transport services amid improving conditions. In Hauts-de-France, snowfall has ceased by the afternoon of January 7, with temperatures expected to rise on January 8, allowing school transport circuits and intercity lines to restart. Authorities caution that local disruptions may persist due to thaw barriers, advising users to remain vigilant and plan for potential delays. Meanwhile, in Calvados, vigilance for snow and ice has been downgraded to yellow following improved weather. However, public transport for school children was suspended on January 5 due to adverse conditions, with partial circulation restrictions including a 20 km/h speed limit and bans on heavy vehicles transporting agricultural machinery through January 8. Drivers there are urged to drive cautiously, maintain safety distances, and ensure vehicles are properly defrosted before travel. Charente lifted its orange alert on January 7, allowing heavy vehicles back on national and departmental roads from 7 p.m. after the earlier freezing rain warning was canceled. The prefecture maintains some heavy vehicle restrictions on RN10 and RN141 roads and recommends limiting travel and teleworking. These measured recoveries follow several days of snow, ice, and freezing rain that had caused widespread transport suspensions and traffic restrictions across the regions. Authorities continue emphasizing safety and caution as operations normalize.