Two dead as snow wreaks havoc in northern France

At least two people have died in northern France as a result of snowfall in the area, regional authorities have announced. 

A homeless person near Valenciennes (Nord, Hauts-de-France) died of hypothermia overnight and another person died after slipping on ice in Croix, near Lille, announced Hauts-de-France regional prefecture Bertrand Gaume.

Many road speed limits have been temporarily lowered and schools closed in the north of France today (January 9) due to heavy rain and snowfall, and authorities in the north are advising people to drive cautiously.

Up to 10cm of snow fell across parts of northern and eastern France yesterday evening, as polar winds descended from the north. 

Around 1,000 homes in the area are without electricity.

Snow is expected to continue falling until around midday in parts of the Hauts-de-France and Normandy regions. In total, up to 20cm may fall cumulatively in the highest-altitude areas.

Ten departments remain on a heightened tier-three orange alert, although only three – Nord, Somme, and Pas-de-Calais – relate to snowy and icy driving conditions. The warnings may be lifted in the afternoon when conditions improve, but are expected to come into force once again this evening.

The seven other alerts – for Seine-Maritime, Eure, Calvados, Oise, Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and Ille-et-Vilaine – are for river flooding after heavy rainfall in the area.

Numerous rivers in the area are seeing water levels rise – further official information can be found via the Vigicrues website.

These warnings are currently expected to be in place until at least Friday (January 10).

Travel disruptions 

School and intercity public transport in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments are not running today due to the snow. 

In the Somme, Aisne and Oise transport is being maintained, but disruptions are expected, particularly in the morning. 

In the Nord museums and other cultural institutions have been closed.

Read more: 4 tips to stay safe and check icy roads in real-time in France

Across the Hauts-de-France region, speed limits will be reduced by 20 km/h on motorways. On national roads which normally have a speed limit of 110 km/h, this will be reduced to 90 km/h, with a further reduction to 80 km/h for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. 

On smaller secondary roads speed limits have been lowered by 20 km/h in the Nord department. In the Oise an overall maximum speed limit of 80 km/h on these roads is in place.

HGVs over 7.5 tonnes are banned from driving on secondary roads in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments.

These temporary changes were announced by local authorities but note that limits may be reduced further in exceptionally bad weather, with drivers expected to regulate their speeds to match conditions.

Read more: Do adverse weather conditions affect driving rules in France?

Last night, three people were injured - two seriously - after a car crash near Marck (Pas-de-Calais). However the injuries sustained by the teenager and 47-year old were not life-threatening, firefighters said. 

Overall, around 55 other people are reported lightly injured due to the weather conditions in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais. 

Some rail disruption is also expected throughout the day due to the snow.

Currently, some services from Arras are disrupted due to fallen trees on the tracks. 

If you are taking a train in the region today it is recommended you check your journey schedule in advance via the SNCFConnect website or app, or local SNCF website.