With negative temperatures and snow expected to continue in Paris and the Île-de-France region, vigilance is key. Météo France announced several centimeters of snow and freezing conditions this Monday, January 5, 2026, making roads and sidewalks particularly slippery and increasing the risk of accidents due to black ice. Fortunately, whether on foot or by car, there are practical ways to minimize risks and stay safe.
Staying Safe on Foot: The ‘Penguin Walk’ and Other Tips
When walking on icy pavements, adopting the ‘Penguin Walk’ technique, recommended by emergency services, can significantly reduce the risk of falling. Instead of distributing your weight evenly, lean your torso slightly forward, shifting your center of gravity over your front leg. Take small, shuffling steps and keep your hands out of your pockets to use your arms for balance if you lose your footing.
If you don’t have appropriate non-slip footwear, consider wearing an old pair of socks over your shoes for better grip. High heels are strongly discouraged in these conditions unless you are exceptionally confident in your balance.
Driving Safely on Icy Roads
For drivers, emergency braking on ice patches is the biggest danger. If your wheels spin when starting, try to start in second gear to reduce the force transmitted to the wheels and prevent them from digging into the ice. Triple your usual safety distances to allow ample time for anticipation.
Utilize engine braking as much as possible. If you need to brake, apply very light and progressive pressure. If your car skids, do not slam on the brakes; instead, disengage the clutch to regain tire grip and steer your gaze towards where you want to go, not towards the obstacle.
Transport Disruptions and Other Important Information
The orange ‘snow-ice’ alert in Île-de-France has led to significant disruptions in public transport. Transilien SNCF announced potential service interruptions for Monday, January 5, 2026, and the following days. Additionally, a doctors’ strike starting this Monday could impact medical services, making it even more crucial to avoid accidents.
For the latest information on traffic and public transport, consult official sources:
- For national traffic conditions: bison-fute.gouv.fr
- For Île-de-France traffic: sytadin.fr
- For weather conditions: meteofrance.com
- For Police Prefecture information and advice: prefecturedepolice.fr
Cemeteries such as Père-Lachaise, Saint-Vincent, and Passy, as well as the Jardins de l’Archipel des Berges-de-Seine-Niki-de-Saint-Phalle, are currently closed due to the weather conditions [paris.fr](https://www.paris.fr/pages/activation-du-plan-neige-verglas-en-ile-de-france-en-niveau-2-5511).
Who is responsible for clearing snow and ice?
While municipal services are responsible for clearing main roads and strategic pedestrian areas, residents, property owners, and tenants are obliged to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of their properties, up to four meters wide, and apply salt preventatively. Salt and sand are not provided by the city but can be purchased from stores. [paris.fr](https://www.paris.fr/pages/en-cas-de-neige-et-de-verglas-7218)
Stay informed and exercise extreme caution during these challenging weather conditions. Your safety is paramount.
Source: sortiraparis.com
