November 21, 2024 – November 22, 2024
France was hit by an extraordinary weather event this week as Storm Caetano swept across the country, bringing unseasonably severe winter conditions. The storm, which lashed France with strong winds and heavy snowfall, left a trail of destruction, from power outages to traffic gridlocks, and even a devastating accident near Paris.
Unprecedented Weather for November
The storm, arriving on Thursday, November 21, 2024, marked a dramatic shift from the mild autumn conditions typically seen in France at this time of year. Winds reached up to 131 km/h (81 mph) in some regions, and snowfall was notably heavy, with up to 16 cm (6.3 inches) recorded in areas like Roissy. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed to visitors, as 4 cm of snow blanketed the capital — the heaviest November snowfall in 56 years. The storm’s peak intensity was felt across much of northern and eastern France, including Normandy, the Grand Est, and the Rhône-Alpes regions.
Impact on Infrastructure and Power Supply
The effects of Storm Caetano were severe. More than 250,000 homes were left without power as strong winds toppled trees and damaged power lines. By Friday, November 22, around 200,000 homes remained without electricity, especially in rural and coastal areas where the storm’s impact was felt most strongly. Emergency teams, including firefighters, worked tirelessly to restore power and clear blocked roads.
Transportation systems were also heavily disrupted. Traffic on major highways such as the A36, A28, and A6B came to a halt due to snow accumulation and hazardous conditions. A total of 5,000 vehicles were stranded, with many truck drivers forced to wait for hours before roads were cleared. Lorries were banned from traveling on the A36 until Friday afternoon due to snowdrifts, worsening the situation for freight transport.
In addition to road issues, train services in northern France were either delayed or canceled, particularly in regions like Normandy, where snowfall and freezing conditions rendered tracks impassable.
A Major Accident on Route A6B
Among the storm’s most concerning consequences was a multi-vehicle accident on Route A6B, near Paris, which involved a bus, four cars, and a motorcycle. The collision resulted in 36 injuries, including five individuals who required hospitalization for severe injuries. Authorities dispatched 24 fire trucks to the scene, with emergency crews working for hours to clear the wreckage and assist the injured.
Snow and Ice Across France
Storm Caetano’s snowfall was significant, with depths reaching 16 cm (6.3 inches) in Roissy and 15 cm (5.9 inches) in Sélestat. Other regions like Dorans, Luxeuil-les-Bains, and Chartres also reported heavy snow, while Paris recorded its heaviest November snowfall since 1968. This unexpected winter weather affected not only major cities but also rural areas, which struggled to cope with the sudden onset of snow and freezing temperatures. Temperatures plummeted to -10.8°C (12.6°F) in Bourdons-sur-Rognon, one of the coldest places in the country during the storm.
Severe Winds Across the Country
Strong winds were a hallmark of Storm Caetano, especially along the Atlantic coast. Gusts reached 121 km/h (75 mph) in Nantes, where widespread tree falls were reported. The highest wind speeds of 131 km/h (81 mph) occurred in Plovan and Chambéry-Aix, with other coastal regions like Cap-Ferret, Saint-Nazaire, and Lorient also experiencing damaging winds. In Corsica, conditions worsened into Friday night, with winds reaching 130 km/h (81 mph) in exposed areas.
Ongoing Impact and Recovery
As the storm continued to affect the Corsica and Pyrenees regions on Friday, November 22, the situation began to improve in much of the mainland. Temperatures were expected to rise and the snow to gradually melt, helping to ease road conditions. However, snowmelt brought with it the risk of flooding in some areas. By Sunday, November 24, a sharp rise in temperatures was forecast, marking the end of this early winter episode.
The aftermath of Storm Caetano underscored the vulnerability of French infrastructure to such extreme weather events. While the storm was largely unexpected, it highlighted the potential for severe winter conditions to disrupt daily life, particularly in regions that are typically spared such weather during the fall.
Additional References:
- France 24 English: Storm Caetano disrupts France
- France 3 Franche-Comté: Reports of vehicles stranded on A36 during snowstorm
- PompiersParis: Firefighters responding to major accident on A6B
- Guillaume Séchet (Meteovilles): Wind speeds and snowfall across France
Conclusion
Storm Caetano has left a significant mark on France, with power outages, traffic chaos, and injuries being the most prominent effects. While the storm’s intensity is expected to wane over the coming days, the damage caused is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the era of climate change. Emergency services will continue to work on recovery efforts, and citizens are advised to remain cautious as the country transitions back to milder conditions.
