Sarthe residents woke to a fresh layer of snow Wednesday, January 7, 2026, quickly followed by a treacherous coating of freezing rain. The department was under orange alert until 9:30 a.m., then downgraded to yellow, remaining in effect until 2 p.m. Temperatures climbed from a frigid -1°C at 7 a.m. to a slightly milder 2.8°C by noon, with a forecast of 5°C in the afternoon.
Road Conditions Remain Hazardous Across Sarthe
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Despite rising temperatures, travel remains difficult, particularly on secondary roads.
- Traffic on less-traveled roads is still significantly impacted by snow and ice.
- Road crews are actively treating main routes, but caution is advised.
- Two minor traffic accidents were reported this morning, with slight injuries.
- Public transportation in Le Mans is severely limited, with only some tram and bus lines operating.
- School transport remains suspended throughout the department.
The Sarthe Department will assess traffic conditions at midday. Officials cautioned, “Traffic on the secondary roads of the secondary network is still difficult (snow on the ground / ice). Treatments will be carried out for part of the roads in the coming hours. However, it is appropriate to adopt the greatest vigilance on the secondary network with certain areas which will remain icy, including next night.”
Several main routes are also experiencing difficult conditions and are undergoing treatment, including areas near Sillé-le Guillaume, north of Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, and Mamers. Specific sections of the RD 357 between Coulans-sur-Gée and the Mayenne department, as well as areas around Le Grand Lucé and Montval-sur-Loir—particularly in wooded areas—require extra caution.
Two Accidents Reported Amidst Icy Conditions
Sarthe firefighters responded to two separate traffic incidents this morning. At 8:21 a.m., a collision involving two vehicles occurred in Conlie, on the road to Sillé. One person sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Le Mans hospital center.
Later, at 9:04 a.m., emergency services were dispatched to a single-vehicle accident in Mulsanne, on the road to Tours. The driver suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the South Health Center.
Limited Bus Service in Le Mans
Public transportation in Le Mans is significantly disrupted. Only trams on lines T1 and T2, and line T3 of the tempo bus, are running as scheduled. Bus lines 4, 5, 6, and 7 have partially resumed service, but all other lines remain suspended.
Officials remind residents that school transport is still suspended.
