In the mountains, caution is currently advised: On Wednesday there is still a high risk of avalanches in Valais, the Bernese Oberland and central Switzerland. The avalanche service SLW classified the central northern slope of the Alps without the foothills of the Alps and the Valais without the Simplon area at level 4 of a maximum of 5.
According to the SLW, there is still a considerable risk of avalanches in the other Alpine regions (level 3). The federal natural hazards portal also warns of rain and fresh snow, which could lead to wet avalanches in mild temperatures.
Large amounts of rain expected
A rain front already reached western Switzerland on Wednesday morning and is expected to distribute large amounts of rain over the whole country during the day. Strong winds also interrupted rail traffic in Appenzellerland, affecting the Weissbad-Wasserauen line in Appenzell Innerrhoden.
According to “SRF Meteo”, 100 millimeters of rain are expected on the northern slopes of the Alps by Thursday. The largest quantities are likely to fall on Wednesday. With warmer temperatures, in addition to the large amount of rain, there is also a considerable amount of water from the snowmelt.
Local flooding possible
Especially creeks and smaller rivers in the Jura and on the foothills of the Alps could lead to floods from Wednesday, Thursday and into Friday, continues “SRF Meteo”. Local floods are possible.
A change in the weather is already in sight, however: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Eve, it should be mostly sunny and almost spring-like warm with temperatures of up to 13 degrees. (SDA)