- In western and northwestern Switzerland, but also in the cantons of Valais and Ticino, partly heavy thunderstorms were expected on Saturday afternoon and evening.
- Several cantons have issued warnings about rain, lightning, hail and gusts of wind, but also about flooding.
- Geneva Airport cancels several takeoffs and landings due to weather conditions.
- In the canton of Valais, the river Vispa has once again overflowed its banks, as pictures and videos on social platforms show.
The cantons of Geneva and Vaud banned outdoor events planned for the afternoon and evening. This affected fan zones where football fans wanted to watch the European Championship match between Switzerland and Italy. In Nyon VD, a swimming pool was also closed in the afternoon.
Legend:
The public viewing in Geneva will be closed due to the risk of severe weather.
Keystone/Martial Trezzini
Several cantons warn
Thunderstorm warnings were issued in the western Swiss cantons, as well as in Basel and Basel-Stadt, Solothurn, Aargau and the canton of Ticino. People were asked to avoid forests, trees and open areas. Water drains should be kept clear and movable objects such as garden furniture and potted plants should be secured.
The canton of Valais has upgraded its flood warning since Saturday afternoon due to the heavy thunderstorms. According to the cantonal management staff, the Rhone and the tributaries on the left bank of the Rhone pose a particular danger.
Legend:
Christoph Siegrist from SRF Meteo.
srf
Western Switzerland is therefore preparing for severe storms. Christoph Siegrist from SRF Meteo knows what the danger looks like for German-speaking Switzerland: “The potential for storms is also there in German-speaking Switzerland.” The insidious thing is the wind: “The thunderstorms trigger gusts of wind, which can move on independently of the thunderstorms.” If there are heavy thunderstorms in Alsace, for example, these gusts of wind could move on to Basel.
The risk of severe weather in western Switzerland is higher due to its proximity to France. Heavy thunderstorms are expected there. It is difficult to estimate when the storms will reach German-speaking Switzerland, says Siegrist. “We assume that it will be after 8 p.m.”
The Valais authorities called on people to limit travel, not to stay near waterways and not to park on bridges. People should also refrain from filming or taking photos of floods in order to avoid putting themselves at risk.
According to the management body, the Entremont, the Val d’Hérens, the Val d’Anniviers, the Mattertal, the Goms, the Binntal and the Simplon region are particularly affected. While there is also potential danger in other areas, the Chablais should be relatively spared, the statement said.
Passes blocked
The Nufenen Pass – which connects the Upper Valais with the Bedretto Valley in Ticino – has been closed since the afternoon. According to police reports, there was a landslide. Due to a mudslide caused by the heavy rainfall on Saturday afternoon, the Simplon route was also closed until further notice. Material was still sliding onto the section of the route at the level of Galerie Engi VS until the evening, as reported by the Federal Roads Office (Astra).
In the evening, the main road Andermatt-Brig VS at the Furka Pass had to be closed in both directions due to falling rocks, as reported by the TCS and Astra. The measure is in effect until further notice.
In eastern Switzerland, the footpaths and cycle paths in the Rhine floodplains were closed on Saturday evening due to the expected rising water levels on the Rhine. People were advised not to stay near the river. In addition to heavy rain, meltwater could also cause the Rhine to rise.