Snow and Ice Chaos in France: Five Dead and Nationwide Travel Disruption

Snow and Ice Paralyse France as Temperatures Drop Below –10°C

A deadly wave of snow and ice has swept across much of France, killing five people and bringing traffic and public transport to a standstill. Météo-France maintained orange-level warnings across 26 departments on Tuesday morning as glacial air tightened its grip on the country.

Drivers, commuters, and rail passengers have faced severe disruption, with many stranded for hours — especially in the Paris region — as an unusually early winter storm battered roads and rail lines.

Fatal Accidents in the West and Île-de-France

The worst-hit areas were in the Landes and Île-de-France regions, where five fatalities occurred due to icy conditions.

In the Landes, two Flixbus coaches collided on the A63 motorway near Saint-Geours-de-Maremme at dawn, killing two people and injuring several others.
A third victim died in a separate accident on the RD824 near Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, also linked to slippery roads.
Around Paris, a VTC driver lost control of his car, plunging into the Marne River at Le Perreux-sur-Marne.
In Seine-et-Marne, a 32-year-old man was killed when a lorry skidded and crashed head-on into his van.

Paris Region: Record Traffic Jams and Transport Paralysis

The snowfall caused unprecedented chaos across Île-de-France, with over 1,000 kilometres of traffic jams recorded during Monday’s evening rush hour — a winter record.

RATP bus services were fully suspended Monday afternoon due to hazardous road conditions.
By Tuesday, only 30 lines were partially operating, and night buses (Noctilien) remained off the road.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot admitted on BFMTV that forecasts were “underestimated,” noting that Paris saw up to eight centimetres of snow rather than the three centimetres originally predicted.

Freezing Temperatures and More Snow Ahead

While skies briefly cleared Tuesday, sub-zero temperatures persisted, dropping between –3°C and –8°C, and even below –10°C in rural areas. Authorities warned that refreezing posed a serious risk for drivers and pedestrians.

According to Météo-France, the country is not out of danger yet. Another episode of widespread snow is expected Wednesday, potentially affecting two-thirds of mainland France.

Forecasts predict:

Between 3 and 6 cm of snow across the north and central regions.
Worsening road conditions through Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Continued impact on public transport and school openings in affected areas.

Authorities Urge Drivers to Stay Alert

Officials have repeated warnings for road users to limit non-essential travel, particularly at night and early morning when black ice is most dangerous.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

Use winter tyres or snow chains in affected regions.
Keep a blanket, water, and phone charger in your vehicle.
Check live updates on Bison Futé and departmental prefecture websites.
Avoid overtaking snowploughs and emergency vehicles.

Energy Use and Community Response

As the cold wave sweeps through, energy demand has surged, prompting calls to reduce household electricity use during peak hours. Local authorities have also activated emergency shelters for homeless individuals and stranded motorists.

The French government says additional snow-clearing and salt-spreading operations are underway, with regional councils coordinating closely with emergency services.

FAQs: Snow and Ice in France, January 2026

1. Which regions of France are most affected?

As of Tuesday, the most affected zones include Île-de-France, Centre-Val de Loire, Normandy, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, especially inland roads where temperatures remain below freezing.

2. Will public transport return to normal soon?

Services are gradually resuming, but RATP bus lines and some TER trains may continue to face delays or cancellations through midweek, depending on upcoming snowfall.

3. What precautions should drivers take?

Drivers are advised to avoid travel unless essential, maintain greater braking distance, and carry survival essentials. Winter tyres are now compulsory in many mountain areas under French law from November to March.

4. How long will the cold wave last?

Météo-France expects freezing temperatures until the weekend, with a slight thaw possible early next week before a new cold front could arrive mid-January.

5. Are flights or TGV services impacted?

While major airports remain open, de-icing operations and runway delays are causing flight disruptions, and some TGV services may be slowed due to safety checks on high-speed lines.

Looking Ahead

As France braces for another round of snow, authorities are urging calm and vigilance. This cold snap has exposed the country’s vulnerability to sudden winter shifts — and serves as a reminder to prepare before heading out.

Stay informed, stay safe, and keep warm — because winter, it seems, is just getting started.