14 Jan 2021 | 09:28 PM UTC
Europe: Heavy snow forecast across portions of western Europe through at least Jan. 16
Heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast across portions of western Europe through at least Jan. 16. Disruptions possible.
Event
A storm system will continue to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to portions of western Europe into Jan. 16. The affected areas include northeastern France, far southern Belgium, southwestern Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and western Austria. As of the evening of Jan. 14, heavy snow is falling in the Alps Mountains of Switzerland and far southwestern Germany, while snow showers are occurring in far southern Belgium. Snow is also falling in far eastern France near the German border while rain and freezing rain are falling farther west. The rain is expected to change gradually over to snow in most areas of eastern France by midday Jan. 15.
Government Advisories
As of the evening of Jan. 14, the European Meteorological Service has issued red level warnings, the most severe on a four-tiered scale - for heavy snowfall and strong winds in northeastern Switzerland. Orange-level warnings - the second-highest on the four-tiered scale - are in effect for northern and western Switzerland, western Austria, and northeastern France. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The latest forecast guidance indicates that accumulations of 30-60 cm (12-18 inches) of snow are expected in the hardest-hit areas, including the Swiss Alps. Locally higher totals of up to 100 cm (40 inches) are possible in regions that experience the most intense banding. Much lower accumulations of 5-15 cm (2-4 inches) are expected across the rest of the affected area, including eastern France, southwestern Germany, Liechtenstein, and southern Belgium. Little-to-no snow is expected farther west in France, where the precipitation will mainly fall as rain. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across portions of western Europe over the coming day. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports, including Zurich (ZRH).
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area through at least Jan. 16. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
