France: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 10

Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of France through at least Jan. 10. A weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to northwestern, north-central, and western regions Jan. 8, with snowfall expected across northern and northeastern regions from midday. Temperatures around 0 C (32 F) are expected in the far north of the country. Strong winds are expected to spread from western regions across central and into eastern France. The system will move over eastern and southern regions Jan. 9, bringing additional rainfall and strong winds, with further snowfall possible in northern and northeastern France. Another weather system is expected to move eastwards across the country from Jan. 10, although there currently remains some uncertainty regarding which areas will be impacted. Hazardous travel conditions are likely, particularly in northern regions, due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

Meteo France has issued the following weather warnings across the country Jan. 8:

• Orange snow and ice warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Seine-Maritime, and Somme departments.

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: Across much of the rest of northern and northeastern France not under orange warnings.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Across northwestern and north-central and parts of eastern and western France.

• Yellow flood warnings: Several river basins across the northern half of France.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Northern Corsica and parts of central, eastern, northwestern, southwestern, and western France.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Across Alpine regions in southeastern France.

Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Precipitation is expected to fall as snow in many areas over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

Where precipitation falls, such 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.

The adverse weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in parts of the country over the coming days. 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 highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst affected areas. Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in areas where heavy rainfall occurs.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.