France: Adverse winter weather forecast across northern and eastern regions through at least Jan. 5

Meteo France has issued various orange and yellow snow-ice, rain-flood, wind, and flood warnings for departments across much of northern and eastern France through at least Jan. 5. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the affected region due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Full details regarding impacted departments are available here. Officials could update and possibly 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 transport disruptions. 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.