France Closes Borders to Andorra Amid Severe Snowstorm

French authorities have implemented full border closures to Andorra from 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, January 11, advancing the schedule after Météo France issued worse forecasts. The Ariège Prefecture and DIRSO cited snow accumulations of 5-10 cm above 1,000 meters—up to 15-20 cm near L'Hospitalet—plus winds of 90-100 km/h risking drifts, poor visibility, and road hazards.

Closures affect all vehicles on RN320 from Col de Puymorens to La Croisade until noon Sunday, and on RN320 and RN22 to Pas de la Casa until 8:00 a.m. Sunday. Heavy vehicles over 19 tonnes face bans on RN20, RN320, and RN22 between Foix and Ur—including Andorran access—from 6:00 p.m. Friday, with some reports noting 5:00 p.m. curbs at Pas de la Casa. Gendarmerie enforce winter tyres, chains, or covers, with updates on Bison Futé. Measures may adjust based on conditions.

The decision followed Friday morning talks with Météo France, shifting from initial 8:00 p.m. plans discussed Thursday. Andorra's Interior Minister Ester Molné confirmed France proceeded despite Andorran objections, stressing wind-reduced visibility beyond snow alone. The government offered COEX snowplows for French roads and sought monitoring for delayed closures or quick reopenings, given peak-season economic hits at Pas de la Casa. "If the weather forecast confirms, the plan is to close out of caution," Molné said after Thursday's meeting with French officials, Andorran Foreign Affairs, Mobility, Civil Protection, COEX, and the National Meteorological Service. Frequent follow-ups continue to match decisions to realities, with no fixed closure time initially set.

Andorra's yellow alert for the Goretti storm persists until Saturday morning, with snowlines at 900 meters from midday Friday, winds to 100 km/h at peaks, and avalanche risks at level 4 north, 3 elsewhere. Civil Protection urges avoiding non-essential trips, securing homes, proper gear, road checks, and kits. Some roads in high parishes require equipment, with minor incidents like a fender-bender in Incles.

In Pas de la Casa, Encamp officials and businesses decry the move, noting forecasts have not fully materialised and rejecting French dismissal of aid offers. Associació de Comerciants president Òscar Ramon called it bad luck after farmer protests, citing past milder closures handled differently: "We haven't had luck lately at Pas." Hotels report limited impacts, some French groups rerouting via Puigcerdà, though cancellations loom in a tough season.

Ongoing EU-Mercosur farmer protests block routes near Foix and Catalan areas like Alt Empordà, Pla d'Urgell, and Berguedà. Andbus and Hife cancelled French routes, rebooking on alternatives.