Snowstorm in France: 5 deaths and complete traffic paralysis
France experienced severe weather and sudden snowstorms in recent hours, leading to near-total paralysis of transportation and resulting in the deaths of at least five people in separate incidents related to vehicles skidding and icy roads. This weather event has raised questions about the preparedness of weather monitoring systems and infrastructure to handle extreme weather changes.
Details of accidents and victims
French authorities confirmed that severe weather and thick layers of ice caused fatal accidents. In the southwest of the country, three people died in two separate incidents after losing control of their vehicles. In the Paris region, a driver died after his car plunged into the Marne River. This incident comes a day after a truck driver was killed when his vehicle skidded on ice in the same area, bringing the death toll to five.
Government admission of falling expectations
In a striking statement, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarro admitted that the national weather service, Météo France, had not anticipated a storm of this magnitude and intensity. The minister called for a review of current weather forecasting and crisis management mechanisms, noting that the forecasts were not accurate enough to warn citizens and local authorities to take the necessary proactive measures.
Airports and railways paralyzed
The storm's impact wasn't limited to roads; it also affected air and rail transport. Major airports in Paris, such as Charles de Gaulle and Orly, experienced significant disruptions to flight schedules, both departures and arrivals, despite 250 snowplows being placed on high alert. The national railway company also announced the suspension of several lines in western France and reduced train services in other regions to ensure passenger safety.
Unusual climatic effects
This wave of snowfall is exceptional for some regions of France, particularly in the west, such as Brittany and the Vendée, where neither the residents nor the local infrastructure are accustomed to dealing with such heavy snowfall. This has led to the suspension of school transport and the closure of some secondary roads, which have been transformed into what stranded residents describe as "ice rinks," with temperatures plummeting to between -3 and -10 degrees Celsius.
Expectations of continued unrest
The meteorological service forecasts continued unstable weather, with more snow and hail expected across large parts of northern France. Although the orange alert has been lifted in some areas and bus services in Paris have seen a slight improvement, authorities are still urging drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving in these severe conditions.
