As the first rays of dawn painted the Parisian sky on Thursday, January 18, 2024, the city and its surrounding region found themselves under an orange alert for snow and ice. The overnight snowfall transformed the landscape, coating roofs, sidewalks, and roads in a blanket of white.
This snowy blanket, however, brought its share of challenges. Roadways throughout the Île-de-France region were closed, leading to disruptions in traffic flow. The situation wasn’t any better for commuters relying on public transportation, as several lines faced delays and interruptions.
Navigating the Snow: Public Transport in a Winter Wonderland
While the Paris Metro network remained largely operational, the RER C line experienced significant disruptions. Passengers were forced to contend with delays between Versailles Chantiers and Massy-Palaiseau, as well as between Saint-Quentin en Yvelines – Montigny-le-Bretonneux and Viroflay Rive Gauche. The RER C station at Saint-Martin d’Étampes was also closed, adding to the inconvenience.
Further complications arose on the RER D line, with slow traffic reported between Orry la Ville and Corbeil Essonnes via Evry Courcouronnes, as well as between Goussainville and Melun.
The Transilien lines, known for their suburban rail service, were also affected. Lines H, J, and K faced severe disruptions, while train traffic on line N was completely halted.
The tramway network, typically a reliable means of transportation, was also disrupted. Lines T6, T10, and T11 experienced delays, while lines T1, T5, T7, and T8 faced slowdowns and disruptions.
As for the bus network, the RATP, the public transport authority in Paris, announced at 6 am that no bus lines were operating due to the weather conditions.
Keeping Safe on the Roads: Driving Tips for Snow and Ice
Navigating the snow-covered roads of the Paris region required extra caution. The Île-de-France road authority urged drivers to postpone their journeys whenever possible.
The Sytadin website, specializing in traffic information, reported road closures on the A1, including the off-ramp to the Boulevard Périphérique in the province-Paris direction. The N2 towards Paris at Dammartin-en-Goële, and in the provincial direction at the same location, was also closed.
Bison Futé, the French organization providing traffic and travel information, offered essential advice for driving in snowy and icy conditions. They emphasized the importance of adjusting speed to road conditions, adhering to reduced speed limits, and increasing safety distances significantly.
In the event of a blocked road, Bison Futé advised against continuing the journey. They urged drivers to stop ahead of any obstacles, avoid abandoning their vehicles, and wait for instructions from emergency services. On freeways, they cautioned against parking on the hard shoulder and recommended staying in the right-hand lane unless otherwise instructed.
