Severe Snow and Freezing Cold Disrupt Paris Travel: 140 Flights Cancelled, Buses Suspended, Six Dead
PARIS: A rare winter cold snap and heavy snowfall on Wednesday morning caused widespread travel chaos across Paris and its surrounding areas. Around 100 flights at Charles de Gaulle Airport and 40 at Orly Airport were cancelled, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed.
All public bus services in Paris and nearby suburbs were suspended due to icy roads, although most metro and suburban rail lines continued to operate. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and, where possible, work from home until conditions improve.
The national weather service, Meteo France, reported that 38 of the 96 mainland departments were under alert for heavy snow and black ice. Snow accumulation in affected areas ranged from three to seven centimetres (one to three inches). The agency described the cold snap as being of “rare intensity for the season.”
Tragically, the extreme weather has already claimed six lives in France, with fatalities linked to accidents caused by icy conditions. Minister Tabarot expressed hope that travel and transport operations would return to normal later in the day.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning residents to exercise caution and follow local advisories as France faces one of the harshest cold snaps of the winter.
By RSS/AFP
