In a bid to ensure public safety, French authorities have closed two major motorways after hundreds of vehicles became stranded on icy roads due to a sudden cold wave. The Transport Minister, Clement Beaune, expressed his determination to resolve the situation promptly.

The surprise snowfall caught authorities off guard, as the national weather agency had not predicted it overnight. Initially, around 1,000 trucks and cars were trapped on the roads near Paris, but the situation has gradually improved since then.

To secure commuters' safety, the A13 and A12 motorways west of Paris have been temporarily closed. A 10-kilometre stretch of the A13, a vital connection between the capital and western France, will remain shut throughout the morning, according to the transport ministry.

With temperatures expected to drop below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) across the country, excluding a small area in southeastern France, the national weather office has issued "orange alerts" in nine departments due to icy roads and snow. In addition, two departments in the north remain on the same alert level following last week's floods.

The current cold wave worsens the situation in Pas-de-Calais, located near the Belgian border, which is still grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods. In Blendecques, a town in the region, icy conditions have transformed the previously muddy roads into treacherous paths.

Furthermore, two departments in northwest France have suspended school transportation for the day, further highlighting the serious impact of the icy conditions on daily life.

French authorities are working diligently to deploy salt trucks and tow vehicles to clear the roads and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Minister Beaune assured the public that everything possible is being done to resolve the issue swiftly.

As the country continues to grapple with the icy weather, citizens are advised to exercise caution while traveling and follow instructions from local authorities.