Paris and the Île-de-France region are experiencing severe disruptions as a major winter storm brings heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, causing unprecedented chaos across the transportation network.
A record-breaking 1,004 kilometers of traffic jams were recorded on Monday, January 5th at 5:45 PM, making it one of the worst traffic days in the region's history. The situation has forced authorities to implement emergency measures across all modes of transportation.
All bus services across Paris and the Île-de-France region have been progressively suspended as of Wednesday morning due to continued snowfall. The 1,900 bus and coach lines serving the region have been recalled to depots for safety reasons, leaving millions of commuters without their usual transportation options.
Air travel has been severely impacted, with approximately 40% of flights cancelled at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport and 25% at Orly. The General Directorate of Civil Aviation had previously instructed airlines to cut their schedules by 15%, but conditions have worsened. Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status before traveling to airports.
Major highways are experiencing significant closures, with the N118 shut in both directions between Les Ulis and Sèvres. Speed limits have been reduced to 70 km/h across regional roads, and heavy trucks are prohibited from circulating within the Île-de-France area.
School transportation has been suspended by prefectural decision in five departments: Val-d'Oise, Yvelines, Seine-et-Marne, Essonne, and Val-de-Marne. Parents are advised to make alternative arrangements for their children.
The RATP has announced that metro and RER trains will run throughout the night to prevent ice formation on the rails, ensuring service can resume more quickly once conditions improve. However, service frequency remains reduced across most lines.
Météo-France has placed all Île-de-France departments under orange alert for snow and ice, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -10°C. Snowfall amounts between 3 and 7 centimeters are predicted, with peak rates reaching 2-3 centimeters per hour during the heaviest periods.
Regional authorities and employers are strongly encouraging telework for the duration of the weather event. Île-de-France Mobilités urges all travelers to check their transport lines before leaving home, with real-time updates available on mobility applications.
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