Heavy snow Saturday night left thousands of French drivers stranded in their cars in the French Alps.

The Times of India reported that about 15,000 people were stranded forcing officials to open emergency shelters.

At least 12 towns set up shelters across southeastern France as many people headed home from ski resorts in the Savoy region.

France declared an orange weather alert, one step below a red alert, in 19 regional areas.

According to the BBC, conditions improved Sunday and the French government lifted the orange weather alert.

One man died Saturday after his vehicle smashed into a ravine in the Isere region. Another man died in an avalanche Sunday.

The Times of India said one driver and his four passengers were stuck on the freeway in the Alps said it took 10 hours to go 80 miles.

BBC said three people died because of the snow earlier in the week across France.

The French government urged caution when driving and to try to avoid traveling if at all possible.

However, local gyms and community halls opened as shelters Saturday. Even a British ski company called Crystal Ski said it has arranged for emergency flights to bring home hundreds of people stuck at Chambery Airport in the Savoy region.

Meteorologists predict more snowfall Monday, re-freezing overnight and warned motorists of slippery roads, according to The Times of India.