The snow and freezing rain episode, ongoing since January 5, 2026, intensified across northern and western France on January 7, leading to severe transport disruptions and record emergency room visits for ice-related injuries. Following initial orange alerts for 38 departments, Météo-France reduced them to 12 as accumulations hit 3-7 cm (up to 10 cm locally). Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot criticized forecast underestimations amid the chaos.
Described by Météo-France as a 'rare extent in the current climate,' the event built on earlier warnings, with freezing rain adding to slippery conditions in the Paris Basin, northern regions, and Massif Central.
Transport ground to a halt: 1,650 km of traffic jams nationwide by mid-morning, including 800 km in Île-de-France. RATP suspended buses until noon; RER B, C, D, and Transilien lines were interrupted; ~100 flights canceled at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and 40 at Orly. The A8 highway closed toward Aix and Marseille after truck accidents, while La Poste and Amazon faced delivery delays.
Alerts eased to 12 departments by evening, but overnight freezing rain loomed in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Storm Goretti threatened strong winds Thursday, prompting orange alerts in five departments per La Chaîne Météo.
Hospitals reported saturation: 2,470 trauma cases in Île-de-France on January 6 (Monday) versus 1,849 the prior day, dominated by radius/ulna fractures amid flu and doctor strikes. Dr. Gérald Kierzek called it a 'true epidemic of broken wrists and elbows.' Minister Tabarot urged caution during a coordination center visit.
The disruptions echoed continent-wide: hundreds of flight cancellations in the Netherlands and Belgium, school closures in Scotland.
