The snow has come out. As predicted by Météo France, snow appeared in the plains on Thursday 21 November, a day during which the meteorological institute placed 33 departments ranging from east to west on an orange snow-ice alert.
Snowfall which can make traffic conditions “difficult”, according to Météo France, and which has led several departments to introduce traffic restrictions by banning some roads for heavy vehicles, lowering the speed limit or increasing the distance between vehicles. A crisis unit has been opened in Orne and the prefect invites motorists to “postpone all non-essential travel”.
Teleworking may be required
The worker and the employer must in fact agree, i.e. the latter can refuse a request for home work, even in case of bad weather. But according to Anne Leleu, these requests are rarely rejected in “exceptional circumstances”, as is currently the case in Orne.
On the other hand, come on the Public Service website it is specified that in “cases of exceptional circumstances” or “force majeure” teleworking can be imposed “without the consent of the employees”. However, it is important to remember that in winter “ice and snowfall are predictable events” and therefore do not constitute cases of force majeure, we read on the Public Service website. However, “the notion of force majeure is retained when roads are impassable and public transport is at a standstill,” he notes the Sgen-CFDT union.
Me Anne Leleu specifies that the conditions of teleworking could also have been decided upstream in collective agreements or company statutes, “for example in the case of transport difficulties”. If, despite these conditions, you are forced to go to work and arrive late, it is also company policy that will come into play, even “in most cases, in exceptional situations, a margin is accepted”.
What measures can residents take to prepare for severe winter weather alerts issued by meteorological agencies?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Meteorology Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. With the recent snowfall across several regions, I believe many people are wanting to understand more about this winter weather event. Can you start by explaining what led to the snow alert from Météo France?
Meteorology Expert (ME): Good morning! Yes, absolutely. The recent snow accumulation is largely due to a cold front moving across the country, which has brought lower temperatures and moisture from the atmosphere. This combination has resulted in snow falling in the plains, as predicted by Météo France.
TNE: Météo France put 33 departments on an orange snow-ice alert. What exactly does that mean for the residents in those areas?
ME: An orange alert typically indicates that weather conditions could pose a risk and that residents should be prepared for potential challenges. In this case, it means people should remain vigilant about the snow and ice, as it can make travel hazardous. The alert encourages preparedness for difficult conditions, such as slippery roads.
TNE: We’ve seen reports of traffic restrictions due to these challenging conditions. Can you elaborate on what measures have been implemented?
ME: Certainly. Several departments have introduced traffic restrictions aimed at ensuring safety. This includes banning heavy vehicles from certain roads, lowering speed limits, and advising increased following distances on the road. The goal is to minimize traffic disruptions and accidents resulting from slippery surfaces.
TNE: That sounds like a necessary precaution. I understand that a crisis unit has been activated in Orne. What role does such a unit play during extreme weather events?
ME: A crisis unit is crucial for coordinating responses to severe weather events. It brings together local authorities, emergency services, and transportation agencies to monitor conditions, facilitate communication, and implement safety measures effectively. Their goal is to manage the situation proactively, ensuring public safety during these winter conditions.
TNE: With the current challenges posed by the snowfall, teleworking has been mentioned as a requirement for many employees. How do you see this impacting the workforce?
ME: The push for teleworking during inclement weather is a practical response to ensure both employee safety and business continuity. By allowing employees to work from home, companies can mitigate risks associated with travel and ensure productivity remains high despite the disruptions. It also reflects a broader shift towards more flexible working arrangements overall.
TNE: That flexibility does sound beneficial. Looking ahead, what should residents keep in mind as the winter progresses?
ME: Residents should remain vigilant and stay informed about weather updates. Preparing their homes for winter conditions—like ensuring heating systems are functional—will also be essential. Additionally, they should plan for potential disruptions in travel and, if possible, keep emergency kits in their vehicles, just in case.
TNE: Thank you for these insights! It’s important for everyone to stay informed and safe during winter weather events. Before we wrap up, do you have any final tips for our audience?
ME: Yes, I’d advise everyone to prioritize safety over convenience. If conditions are dangerous, don’t hesitate to postpone travel or engagements. And always keep an eye on weather forecasts and local advisories for the latest information.
TNE: Great advice! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Stay safe this winter!
ME: Thank you for having me! Stay warm!