2024 - Lots of rain in Switzerland - Flooding in Switzerland: Water levels peak expected overnight into Tuesday

The flood situation in Switzerland: According to the federal government, the water levels of Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne rose again on Monday morning after falling the day before following heavy rainfall. The discharge volumes will continue to increase during the course of the day, according to the federal government’s natural hazards bulletin. The federal government expects flood peaks during the night into Tuesday. Then the situation is expected to ease again thanks to calmer weather. On Monday morning, the authorities of the Canton of Thurgau in addition Flood alert on the Sitter and Goldach rivers triggered. In Canton of Schwyz Lake Lauerz is still overflowing its banks.

At present, danger level 3, “significant danger”, applies to Lake Constance and the Upper Rhine. Danger level 2, “moderate danger”, applies to Lake Lucerne and Lake Zurich, as well as the Limmat, Reuss and Thur. According to current forecasts, Lake Constance is likely to remain at danger level 3. However, the Lower Lake could temporarily reach danger level 4, “great danger”. Due to the rising water level, the Rhine in Basel has been closed to shipping.

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Legend:

The campsite in Seewen on Lake Lauerz in the canton of Schwyz is under water. (3.6.2024)

Keystone/URS FLUEELER

Two boats in the water at a pier with sunken benches in the foreground.

Bridge with railings leading into the water.

Pedestrian bridge leads over water to the hotel-restaurant in Stein am Rhein.

Flooded parking lot in front of multi-story residential buildings.

Landslides and closed roads: A landslide occurred on the Hirzel in the canton of Zurich on Monday morning. The road between Wädenswil and Sihlbrugg had to be closed as a result. There were no injuries. One lane of the road was reopened in the evening. According to SRF Meteo, there is a local risk of landslides in the coming days if it rains again. The heavy rainfall has also led to an increase in block and rock falls from the landslide above Brienz (GR). The Brienz/Brinzauls municipal administration advised the population to stick to the safety zone. In mid-March, several thousand cubic metres of rock material fell above the municipality.

Fire brigades in constant operation: The fire brigades in the canton Zurich have had to be called out 450 times since Friday because of water in buildings or flooded streets. The Zurich Oberland as well as Zell and Turbenthal were particularly affected. In the canton Thurgau More than 150 damage reports were received. In most cases, the fire brigade was called out because of flooded cellars, the cantonal police said. In the canton St. Gallen The emergency call center coordinated around 90 fire service operations, the cantonal police said in response to a request. The northern part of the canton was particularly affected. The heavy rains during the night into Monday also caused Canton of Zug led to numerous fire brigade operations. Cellars, laundry rooms and underground garages were flooded and two streets had to be closed.

Weather forecast for Switzerland: The situation will soon ease in most places, says Simon Eschle from SRF Meteo. “There will be some heavy showers in the afternoon, but rain will only be a local issue in the coming days. The situation remains particularly tense on Lake Constance (danger level 3) and probably a little more on Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne. These lakes are currently at danger level 2. Because: “It will get warmer in the next few days, the snow will also melt, which can slow down the drop in water levels,” says Eschle. If it rains again, there could also be landslides locally.

The Swiss waters carry a lot of water: