2024-11-21 11:24:00
The first flakes of Storm Caetano fell on Thursday morning in northwestern France, as winter descends on France where 58 departments are placed on orange alert for snow, ice and wind. This storm “it will cross France from west to east and will cause an early and sufficiently significant winter episode to make traffic conditions difficult in the affected regions”indicates Météo-France on its website.
Orne, where according to the prefect thirty salt spreaders are in action, seems particularly affected with ten road accidents already recorded following the snowfall at 10 am, and traffic “possible but difficult” on the RN 12 (Alençon-Mortagne-au-Perche and Alençon-Lalacelle axes).
Bison Futé reported at 10am that traffic was in progress “very delicate” among others on the A84 (Calvados and Manche), the N 12 (Orne, Mayenne, Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes-d’Armor), the N 176 (Côtes-d’Armor, Ille-et-Villaine and Manche) , A28 (Eure and Orne), the Caen ring road and the N 158 (Calvados and Orne).
In some places temperatures should approach those of January. Météo-France has placed 58 departments on orange alert, of which 33 for snow and ice, especially in the north of the country and in the Alps, and 25 for wind, from Loire-Atlantique to the Gironde then on a line that goes up to Savoie, including the two departments of Corsica.
“In Ile-de-France we expect 1 to 5 cm, locally 5 to 10 cm in the south of the region”continues Météo-France, which adds that snowfall “they are also expected at low altitude in the southern Alps”. Further south the wind will blow strong with “Gusts generally between 100 and 120 km/h on the coasts of the departments placed under orange vigilance” and inland, up to “more than 150 km/h on the highest points of the Alps”.
School transport suspended
SNCF Réseau estimated this on Thursday morning “The point of vigilance is New Aquitaine where several lines are interrupted as a precaution in the Bordeaux region due to violent winds”. Second Western France, rail traffic is interrupted between Le Mans and Laval.
From 11am, the circulation of trucks weighing more than 7.5 tonnes is limited, with a reduced speed of 20 km/h in Calvados, Côtes-d’Armor, Ille-et-Vilaine, Manche, Morbihan, Orne and Sarthe, Cher, Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, as well as in Ile-de-France on the major axes. School transport is suspended on Thursday in Orne, Manche, Calvados, Eure and Eure-et-Loir.
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The Loire-Atlantique department warned mid-morning that the Saint-Nazaire bridge could close between 1pm and 5pm if measured gusts exceed 120km/h.
Strong winds could also cause avalanches in the Alps. “Maximum caution is necessary when practicing all mountain activities and mainly excursions on skis or snowshoes” and Haute-Savoie “The avalanche risk is 4 out of 5 on the Mont Blanc massif”the prefecture reported.
– How does climate change impact the frequency and intensity of winter storms?
Title: A Deep Dive into Winter Storm Caetano: What to Expect This Season
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have with us Dr. Marie Dubois, a meteorologist with over 15 years of experience in climate science. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Dubois.
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me! It’s great to discuss the exciting changes in weather patterns, especially with Storm Caetano making headlines.
Interviewer: Indeed, Storm Caetano has already caused quite a stir in northwestern France. Can you explain how and why this storm formed and the factors contributing to its strength?
Dr. Dubois: Absolutely. Storm Caetano is part of a series of storms that typically occur as we transition into winter. Several factors converge to increase the intensity of these storms, including temperature drops and atmospheric pressure changes. As cold air from the north meets warm air from the south, it creates significant instability, leading to severe weather conditions like heavy snow, ice, and strong winds, all of which we’re witnessing right now.
Interviewer: It seems like this storm is particularly disruptive, with 58 departments on orange alert. What can you tell us about the impact it’s having on transportation and public safety?
Dr. Dubois: The impacts are indeed substantial. With heavy snow and icy conditions, roads become hazardous, as we’ve seen with multiple accidents already reported in regions like Orne. Traffic has been described as “very delicate” across several major routes. Risks increase significantly, not just for drivers but also for public transportation. The SNCF has already suspended services in certain areas due to safety concerns, which is a crucial precautionary measure.
Interviewer: That definitely sounds concerning. How do the temperatures play a role, particularly with some areas forecasting temperatures approaching those typical of January?
Dr. Dubois: Cold temperatures paired with moisture are a recipe for snowfall. When forecasts predict such low temperatures—between 1 to 10 degrees Celsius—combined with the precipitation that storms bring, it intensifies the snowfall. This is particularly worrisome in regions like Ile-de-France and the southern Alps, where residents should prepare for potentially heavier accumulations.
Interviewer: Speaking of preparation, how should people prepare for such extreme weather events?
Dr. Dubois: Preparation is key. First, people should stay informed through reputable sources like Météo-France and have a plan in place for travel—if it’s not necessary, it’s best to stay home. Additionally, having an emergency kit with essentials—food, water, medications—is advisable. Those living in affected areas should also ensure that their homes are winter-ready, like checking heating systems and ensuring that roofs can handle the weight of snow.
Interviewer: Great advice! Looking ahead, do you foresee more storms like Caetano this winter, or is this an isolated incident?
Dr. Dubois: While it’s difficult to predict individual storms, the phenomena we’re seeing with Storm Caetano could be indicative of a trend towards more frequent and intense winter storms. Climate change is altering our weather patterns, leading to fluctuations that could result in more severe weather events in certain regions. It’s crucial for us to monitor these changes and adapt accordingly.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Dubois, for your insights on this pressing topic. It’s vital that we stay informed and take the necessary precautions during such weather events. Any final thoughts?
Dr. Dubois: I’d just like to remind everyone to prioritize safety and take weather warnings seriously. Winter can be beautiful, but it also comes with its challenges. Stay safe out there!
Interviewer: Thank you again for your time, Dr. Dubois. We appreciate your expertise, and we’ll keep an eye on the developments around Storm Caetano and other winter weather patterns this season.
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me! Stay warm and safe, everyone!