France: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 11

Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of mainland France through at least Jan. 11. Snowfall is affecting parts of northern France early Jan. 9 and is reportedly causing issues on roads in parts of Normandy and Ile-de-France regions. Further snowfall is possible in eastern regions Jan. 9 and in far southern regions Jan. 10-11. Very cold temperatures are likely across much of the country Jan. 9 before starting to rise from the south Jan. 10. Flooding remains a concern for parts of northeastern France following recent heavy rainfall.

As of Jan. 9, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange snow and ice warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Essone and Yveline departments in Ile-de-France Region and Calvados, Eure, Manche, and Orne departments in Normandy Region.

• Orange flood warnings: Several river catchments in Hauts-de-France Region.

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: Across the rest of Ile-de-France and Normandy regions not under orange warnings, across Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and Grand Est regions, and Ain Ardeche, Drome, Haute-Savoie, Isere, Loire, Rhone, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, Cotes-d'Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine departments in Brittany Region, Loiret Department in Centre-Val de Loire Region, Aisne, Oise, and Somme departments in Hauts-de-France Region, Correze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, and Mayenne and Sarthe departments in Pays de la Loire Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: For many river catchments in Grand Est Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Across Alpine areas of southeastern France and Pyrenean areas of southern France.

• Yellow extreme cold temperature warnings: Across much of northern and parts of central France.

Further orange and yellow flood warnings are in place for river catchments in northeastern France Jan. 10, as well as yellow snow and ice warnings for eastern regions, yellow cold temperatures warnings for many northern and some central regions, and yellow avalanche warnings in mountainous areas. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely in the most severely affected areas.

The winter weather will probably cause ground transport disruptions across affected areas over the coming days. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads, snowfall accumulations, and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are likely along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in affected areas as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are likely amid ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.