Snow and ice paralyze France: schools closed, transport at a standstill, Storm Goretti expected as early as Thursday
Updated 2026-01-07 20:15:00: Several regions remain snowbound as a storm approaches. Major impacts on transportation, schools, and electricity.
Since Monday, a wave of snow has severely disrupted daily life in many French departments. School transport is suspended in several areas, trains are running at reduced speeds, and hundreds of flights have been canceled. The electricity supply is also affected, with thousands of homes without power. A new storm, named Goretti, is expected to hit as early as Thursday, exacerbating the risks to safety and mobility.
What there is to know
- The fact: A rare snowfall event has blocked parts of France, ahead of the arrival of a storm.
- Who is concerned: Schoolchildren, transport users, residents of Île-de-France, Centre-Val de Loire, Charente-Maritime, Normandy.
- when: Since Monday, January 5, 2026, with worsening expected on Thursday, January 8.
- Where: North, west, Massif central, Île-de-France, Normandy, Alps.
Key figures
- 6,000 homes without electricity in several regions on January 7.
- 9 cm of accumulated snow in Paris at 3pm on January 7th.
- Approximately 100 flights were cancelled at Roissy, and 40 at Orly on January 7th.
- Gusts of up to 140 km/h are expected on the Normandy coast on Thursday.
- 960 km of traffic jams in Île-de-France at the peak of the morning of January 7.
Specifically, for you
- What changes: Suspension of school transport, slowdown or cancellation of trains and flights, delays in parcel delivery, power outages.
- Useful steps: Prioritize teleworking, limit travel, and follow local guidelines.
- Risks if you do not act: Road accidents, significant delays, inability to access certain services.
- Exceptions: Partial resumption of school transport is planned for Thursday in some departments.
Context
The current snowfall is considered "of rare magnitude in the current climate" by Météo-France. Seven departments around the Massif Central are under an orange alert for snow and ice, and two others in the Alps are under an orange alert starting at midnight. In Paris, the city hall and the RATP (Paris public transport operator) are recommending that people stay home and work remotely. Authorities lifted some restrictions at the end of the day but are urging caution. Storm Goretti, expected on Thursday, will put four departments in Normandy under an orange alert for wind, with gusts of up to 140 km/h on the coast.
What remains to be clarified
- Exact duration of power outages and return to normal for transport.
- Detailed evolution of storm Goretti and its consequences on infrastructure.
Quote
"Exercise the utmost caution" — Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport, January 7, 2026.
Sources
Source: Huffington Post (video)
Source: Huffington Post (video)
Original Source: See the original publication
Date: 2026-01-07 20:15:00 — website: www.huffingtonpost.fr
Auteur: Cédric Balcon-Hermand — Biography & projects
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Published on: 2026-01-07 20:15:00 — Slug: snow-related disruptions continue before storm Goretti
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