A storm hit La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel shortly before noon on Monday. The stormy winds ripped off parts of the roof, blew objects through the streets and even knocked over a construction crane. One person lost their life and around 40 people were injured. The SRF meteorologist estimates how this could happen and how frequent such storms are in this country.
How did the storm over La Chaux-de-Fonds come about?
There was a thunderstorm in Switzerland today. Thunderstorm cells were already moving across Switzerland from the southwest in the early morning. The thunderstorm over the Jura originated over France and then, with reinforcements, moved across the Swiss border from 11 a.m.
Was it a tornado?
It is not yet possible to say conclusively. It is possible, but it could also be a matter of so-called downbursts. Such gusts of wind in thunderstorm cells can cause similarly violent gusts of wind and major damage in a small area.
How common are such storms in Switzerland?
Severe thunderstorms hit some region almost every summer. Fortunately, such violent gusts of wind as today do not occur every year. Confirmed tornadoes are rare in Switzerland, but the Jura is the region that is most likely to be hit due to the topography.
How good is a warning?
Basically, you can estimate a weather situation with the potential for severe weather a few days in advance. Then the risk of thunderstorms is pointed out. The affected region can only be warned of locally strong thunderstorms at very short notice, around half an hour to an hour in advance.
Scenes of devastation in La Chaux-de-Fonds
Are more storms to be expected in the next few hours and days?
Strong thunderstorms are still on the way in the evening and night hours, tomorrow the thunderstorm activity will gradually decrease, but it will rain for longer in some cases.