As storm Hans sweeps across southeastern France, Corsica, and the Alps, residents are bracing for significant rainfall and severe weather conditions. The storm, which originated in Italy, is expected to bring heavy rains and violent thunderstorms, with forecasts suggesting the equivalent of a month’s worth of rain could fall in some areas.
According to Météo France, the storm made landfall on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and is anticipated to affect the region until Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. The southeastern part of France is predicted to experience the most intense rainfall, particularly between the Alps and Corsica, where local totals could reach between 100 to 200 mm.
On Wednesday, April 16, the weather service placed two departments under orange alert due to the impending storm. As the situation developed, it became clear that this would not be just another spring rain; gusts of wind reaching up to 100 km/h are expected, adding to the potential for damage and disruption.
In the Alps, the snowfall has been particularly heavy, with reports indicating that up to 60 cm of snow fell overnight in Val d'Isère. This has led to concerns over avalanches, prompting Savoie to issue an orange alert for avalanche risk, which was lifted later that day as conditions began to stabilize.
However, the situation remains dire in some areas. In Val Thorens, three people were buried by snow, with one individual in critical condition and requiring immediate medical attention. The resort, along with Tignes, has implemented a lockdown, restricting movement to ensure safety as the storm continues to impact the region.
In Zermatt, Switzerland, residents are facing a blackout that is expected to last until Friday morning, April 18, 2025. The Gornergrat railway has also suspended operations, adding to the challenges faced by locals and tourists alike. The entire Saas Valley was similarly affected by a power outage due to a fault on a high-voltage line, isolating communities and disrupting daily life.
In the Piedmont region of Italy, the storm’s impact has been severe, with reports of heavy rains reaching up to 600 mm in places. This has led to flooding in several towns, prompting authorities to issue red alerts in more than 100 municipalities. The Po River is approaching dangerous levels, and numerous roads have been closed for safety reasons. Residents in affected areas have been advised to remain indoors.
As the storm progresses, rail traffic between Italy and Switzerland has been severely disrupted, with flooded tracks causing significant delays and cancellations. Eurocity trains between Geneva and Milan are among those affected, with travelers now facing detours that include lengthy routes through Bellinzona, Lucerne, or Zurich.
Despite the chaos, local officials are working diligently to manage the situation. David Taugwalder, a representative from Zermatt Tourism, reassured visitors that safety measures are in place and emphasized the community's resilience in the face of adversity. “Our clients are in good hands despite the external circumstances,” he stated, highlighting the solidarity among residents.
The storm has also brought some unexpected benefits. After a prolonged period of drought, the heavy snowfall in the Alps is seen as a boon for the region’s glaciers, which have been struggling with low snow levels. According to the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, the recent precipitation has restored snow levels to normal or even above average in some areas, providing a much-needed boost to the local ecosystem.
As the Easter weekend approaches, forecasters predict a brief respite from the storm on Friday, April 18, with drier and potentially sunny conditions returning to the Mediterranean regions, the Alps, and Corsica. However, the weekend is expected to remain unstable, with frequent showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the southern half of France.
In conclusion, storm Hans has already made a significant impact across the Alps and into France, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and dangerous conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents and travelers to remain vigilant as they navigate the challenges posed by this powerful weather system.
