France: Adverse winter weather forecast across northern and central regions through at least Jan. 18

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of northern and central France through at least Jan. 18. A storm system is expected to initially bring rainfall to the Brittany Region late Jan. 16 before precipitation transitions to a mix of freezing rain and snow as the system moves eastward over northern France through early Jan. 18. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the affected region due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Jan. 16, Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange snow and ice warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Cote-d'Or, Territoire de Belfort, and Yonne departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region, Eure-et-Loire and Loiret departments in Centre-Val de Loire Region, Haute-Marne and Vosges departments in Grand Est Region, across Ile-de-France Region, and Cavaldos, Manche, and Orne departments in Normandy Region.

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: Across much of the rest of the affected area.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Across Brittany Region and Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, and Vendee departments in Pays de la Loire Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: Sections of the Canche and Oise rivers in Hauts-de-France Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Haute-Savoie, Isere, and Savoie departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region.

• Yellow extreme cold temperature warnings: Doubs and Territoire de Belfort departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Region and Haut-Rhin Department in Grand Est Region.

Further orange and yellow snow and ice and rain-flood warnings are in place across much of northern France on Jan. 17. 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.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash, and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. 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. Flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are likely amid ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.