PARIS, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-four French departments, including Paris, were put on orange alert due to snow fall and icy weather, according to French weather agency Meteo France on Tuesday.

A predicted snowfall and freezing temperatures are expected to sweep the French capital and surrounding areas in addition to northern and central regions till Wednesday morning, the agency said.

It forecasted a snowfall up to 5 cm in Paris where the capital city's gardens and parks were draped in white earlier on Tuesday. In north-eastern regions of the country, up to 12 cm were expected, forcing many areas to cancel school buses.

The Eiffel Tower said it was shut to visitors on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of the the snowfall.

"Motorists should be vigilant and informed about traffic instructions before getting out," said French Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne.

The minister also asked residents to avoid using their cars after the snowfall covered city streets with ice and slush that could cause chaotic traffic jams.

In Ile de France region, police prefecture called on people to limit their movements and use public transport. In addition, it banned heavy trucks to circulate in main roads of the zone and limit speed to 80 km per hour.

The national road RN 118 where hundreds of motorists were forced to spend the night on their cars due to snow, was closed earlier in the morning. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)