The federal government has issued warnings across the country, as heavy rainfall continues to dominate the weather in Switzerland. Areas of Canton Vaud, Valais and the Bernese Oberland have been issued with a level three warning, meaning there is “significant danger” near Swiss waterways and steep terrain.
Current forecasts show that the end of September is set to be cold and wet across the country. On Wednesday, up to 80 millimetres of rain is expected to fall in some places, and Swiss ski resorts are forecast to see up to half a metre of fresh snow in one day.
Due to the excessively heavy rainfall, areas of Canton Vaud, Valais and Bern have been issued with a level three rain warning, meaning there is a “significant danger” of flooding and rockslides. Swelling of streams, waterfalls, lakes and rivers, and the flooding of exposed pieces of road should be expected.
In addition, the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss), told Blick that the heavy rain can “trigger landslides in steep terrain. In heavy rain, caution is therefore always required outdoors, especially near bodies of water, on slopes, and on the road.”
The government weather service encouraged locals in the affected areas to avoid bodies of water, riverbanks and hillside areas. “Even when the rains subside or are over, streams and rivers still carry a lot of water. Caution is therefore still advisable until the flood situation eases,” they said.
Elsewhere, Canton Zurich, Thurgau, St. Gallen, and areas of central and western Switzerland have been issued with a level two warning. This means that local swelling of streams and rivers is likely, and residents are encouraged to keep an eye on local weather reports.