Switzerland is bracing for severe weather as heavy rain and snowfall are set to hit the southern regions, particularly Valais and Ticino. The Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (Meteo Schweiz) has issued a highest-level warning, Level 5, for several areas, indicating a significant risk of natural hazards.
On April 16 and 17, 2025, a strong southern to southeastern airflow combined with a low-pressure system over the Gulf of Genoa is expected to bring extreme precipitation, with forecasts predicting between 150 and 250 millimeters of rain in the most affected regions. This deluge comes after a prolonged dry spell, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.
According to Meteo Schweiz, the southeastern Valais, particularly the Upper Saastal and the Southern Simplon area, will experience the brunt of the storm. Meteorologist Stefan Scherrer noted, "In the areas warned with Level 5, we expect 150 to 250 liters of rain per square meter." This substantial rainfall is likely to exacerbate the already precarious situation in the region, where the snow line is expected to fall between 1500 and 2000 meters, meaning that much of the precipitation will fall as snow in higher altitudes.
The heavy snowfall is not without its dangers. Above 2000 meters, more than a meter of new snow is anticipated, significantly increasing the risk of avalanches. The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) has already issued warnings for numerous large and very large dry avalanches in higher elevations, along with medium to large wet snow avalanches in lower areas.
In response to the extreme weather conditions, the authorities in the Valais canton have taken precautionary measures, including the closure of all schools on April 17. Residents have been urged to heed the advice of local officials and stay safe.
As the storm progresses, power outages have been reported across various municipalities in Valais and the Bernese Oberland. The energy provider BKW indicated that numerous communities have experienced blackouts, particularly in the Kandertal and parts of the Simmental region.
Transportation has also been severely affected. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn has suspended operations between Visp and Zermatt due to the weather, with replacement buses operating between Visp and Täsch. Travel options to and from Zermatt are currently unavailable. Moreover, the Simplon Pass road has been closed in both directions, and the main road between Frutigen and Adelboden is also shut down.
Travelers have faced chaos at train stations, particularly in Milan, where connections to Valais have been interrupted due to flooding on the tracks. The SBB has advised passengers to reroute their travel plans, as trains between Brig and Milan are currently not running.
Local residents have expressed a mix of concern and resignation regarding the weather. In Saas-Balen, a family worried about their horses reported that while their home was buried under snow and without power, the horses had fared well. "They are even voluntarily outside in the snow rather than in the dry shelter," remarked a local resident.
In Zermatt, two American tourists, James and Daniel, found themselves stranded after being locked out of their hotel due to a power outage that disabled their electronic key. They spent the night in a bar and are now waiting at the train station, taking the situation in stride with humor on social media.
Meanwhile, local farmers are taking precautions to safeguard their livestock. Rene, a 63-year-old resident of Saastal, shared his concerns about possible rockfalls and mudslides, emphasizing the importance of keeping animals safe during such unpredictable weather.
As the storm continues to unfold, the weather service has warned that conditions will not improve immediately. Scherrer added, "The current weather pattern is not unusual for this time of year, but the amounts of precipitation expected in Valais are quite exceptional." He advised those planning travel to the region to stay updated on the weather and road conditions.
In Ticino, heavy rainfall is also expected, particularly in the western regions such as Maggiatal and Centovalli. Authorities have closed roads as a precautionary measure, and travelers are advised to avoid areas prone to flooding.
As the situation develops, local emergency services remain on high alert, prepared to respond to any incidents that may arise from the severe weather. Fire chief Serge Andenmatten stated that while they have not yet had to deploy resources for major incidents, they are ready should the need arise.
With the storm expected to last into Thursday afternoon, the Swiss population is reminded to prioritize safety and follow local advisories closely. The coming days will be critical as the region navigates the challenges posed by this intense weather event.
