Freezing temperatures and a blanket of snow have brought significant disruptions to transportation in Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region this Thursday morning. Travelers are facing delays and cancellations across various transportation networks, impacting both public transit and road networks.
A “snow-ice” orange alert is in effect until 10:00 a.m., prompting authorities to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The snow, which fell overnight, has left roads slick and hazardous, creating challenging conditions for motorists.
Public Transportation Struggles Under the Snow
Public transportation has been significantly impacted by the snowy conditions. The Paris metro network has avoided major snow-related disruptions so far, but traffic on line 13 is halted between Montparnasse Bienvenue and Gabriel Péri, as well as between Montparnasse Bienvenue and Porte de Saint-Ouen due to a signaling failure.
The RER network has experienced the most substantial disruptions. Traffic on RER C is severely disrupted between Versailles Chantiers and Massy – Palaiseau, and between Saint-Quentin en Yvelines – Montigny-le-Bretonneux and Viroflay Rive Gauche. Service is expected to resume around 10:00 a.m.
The RER D is experiencing slowdowns between Orry la Ville and Corbeil Essonnes via Evry Courcouronnes, and between Goussainville and Melun.
RER lines A, B, and E also face service disruptions, with numerous slowdowns.
The Transilien network is also experiencing significant delays and cancellations. Lines H, J, and K have been particularly affected, with line L facing disruption between Maisons-Laffitte and Gare Saint-Lazare. Line N is completely shut down.
The tramway network has not been spared either. The T6, T10, and T11 lines are currently disrupted, with T1, T5, T7, and T8 experiencing slowdowns and interruptions.
As for the bus network, no lines are currently operating due to the weather conditions. RATP, the public transport operator, advises passengers to check their website or app for updates.
Navigating Snow-Covered Roads
Road travel has also been impacted by the snow. Motorists are advised to postpone travel whenever possible. The Île-de-France road authority urges drivers to exercise caution and adapt their driving to the slippery conditions.
Several major highways have experienced closures. The A1 has been closed at the off-ramp to the Boulevard Périphérique on the outer carriageway (P. Chapelle) in the direction of Paris. The N2 has been closed in both directions at Dammartin-en-Goële.
Bison Futé, a French organization dedicated to road safety, offers guidance for navigating snowy roads. Drivers should:
- Reduce speed to accommodate the slippery conditions, never exceeding the lowered speed limits for wet surfaces.
- Increase safety distances significantly to allow for longer braking distances.
- Avoid continuing travel if the road is blocked or hazardous. Stop ahead of any difficulties and wait for instructions from emergency services.
- On freeways, avoid parking on the hard shoulder, stay in the right-hand lane unless directed otherwise by emergency services.
With the orange alert still in effect, travelers in the Paris region are advised to stay informed and be prepared for ongoing disruptions. The snow and ice are expected to continue impacting transportation throughout the morning.
