Yesterday, some snow was falling over Paris. It didn't last very long, a few hours only.
We didn't get a lot, maybe one inch or a bit more.
But it was panic time !!!!!! with many blocked roads.

Granted, right outside Paris, there was a bit more snow and as the temp there is a bit lower the snow held better on the roads.

By 12:00, the streets were free of snow but people (many of them only arriving at their office at that time) were scared and most took off at 16:00, to get back home ....
Paris (and subburbs) inhabitants are no longer used to weather changes.

In the countryside, people are more prepared.
My uncle, living in Alsace, succeded to slide in the gully, while driving carefully to school (where he teaches). He called for his mechanics to come and tow the car out of there, but then some guy with a 4 wheel drive car passed by, stopped, attached a piece of cord between the two vehicles and towed him off the gully.
"Here you are ! Bye"
"thanks"....
that was it...

Don't expect this to happen in/near Paris... or be prepared to wait a long time for such a good samaritan (?).
<img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

For that? Ah, that's not so bad...I just get out the skis!

Seriously though, the northeastern US has storms of comparable intensity more often than you might think. The most important items to remember are:

1. Put proper snow and ice tires on your car.
2. Make sure you get gasoline for the snow blower before the storm hits.
3. Keep tire chains and a snow shovel in the car in case you get stuck. Some people also go a bit farther and carry a blanket, some water, and some food, plus survival supplies.

Of course, your house should already be stocked with food and extra water at all times. Here in the US, Alain, most homes have a 40 US Gallon hot water heater, so we always have that to drain if the power goes out.

Most municipalities also have regular snow plowing services for the streets, so after the snow stops, and even during the storm, it takes quite a lot to truly stop all traffic. Even if traffic does stop, such as during the 24-30" snow storm that hit us back in 1996, the worst that happens is that supply trucks don't get in to some stores for about a week. In fact, usually the hardest part is clearing the end of the driveway after the plows have thrown up a big wall of snow in front of it.

The biggest danger, though, is probably that most people don't put real snow and ice tires on their cars, but rely on all-season tires. Just tonight, I was driving home in a relatively heavy snow that is predicted to drop about 8" of snow by tomorrow morning. I saw many accidents and near-accidents that could have been avoided had the drivers used more caution.

But with my snow tires, I could laugh and say "coup fourre"! (I'm a disciple of Mille Bornes, can you tell?)

Waoh.... it's a long time since I played Mille Bornes .... <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />