Alerts for drivers as snow and ice expected in many parts of southern France

Warnings for snowy driving conditions are in place in seven departments in southern France this morning (November 12), as a cold snap lowers morning temperatures.

Tier-two yellow warnings for neige-verglas (snow, ice, and black ice on the roads) have been raised in Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Alpes-Maritimes, Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

The warnings will remain in place throughout the day, with snow expected to begin falling in the mountain ranges. 

You can see already see it falling on the Isola 2000 webcam here.

Currently, no warnings are scheduled for tomorrow (November 13), however this is subject to change depending on how weather conditions develop today.

The abrupt shift in weather patterns is being caused by the arrival of bitter winds from Germany.

Read more: Cold snap brings snow: Weather in France this week November 11 - 15

At the same time as snow warnings, tier-two yellow alerts for heavy rain and stormy weather are in place in Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Corsica, as Mediterranean storms threaten coastal areas.

Drivers must take caution

Whilst warnings are not yet at a heightened level, drivers should still be vigilant when on snowy or icy roads. 

Snow tyres are obligatory in at least some communes of all the departments affected by neige-verglas warnings. 

It was recently announced there will be no fines issued this year for not having the tyres on in communes where they are required, however not using the correct equipment may impact your ability to claim insurance in the event of an accident. 

Read more: No snow tyre fines in France this winter – but insurers may require them

You can see which communes are affected by snow tyre rules here.