Heavy snow has caused significant disruption in Swiss and French ski resorts as the Easter holiday approaches. The picturesque town of Zermatt in Switzerland has been rendered inaccessible, while officials in the French resort of Tignes have instructed residents and tourists to remain indoors due to the high risk of avalanches. Tignes Mayor Serge Revial emphasized the need for protective measures as over a meter of snow accumulated in the area.
Though snowfall in the Alps during April isn't unusual, the intensity of this storm has led to thousands of homes losing power in the Savoie region of eastern France. Meanwhile, key routes, including the Simplon Pass to Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel, were closed in Switzerland, impacting tourists heading to the affected ski destinations.
In Valais, residents and visitors faced significant challenges as major road and rail networks were severed, isolating Zermatt in the southern region of the canton. Swiss media reported long lines outside the only active supermarket, as power and mobile service disruptions left locals vulnerable. The Alertswiss app warned of avalanche dangers, and schools in Sion were closed in response to the instances of bad weather.
Authorities cautioned travelers intending to visit over the Easter holidays to postpone their plans until Saturday. Local police have reinforced the message for everyone to stay indoors whenever possible.
Italy's Aosta Valley, southeast of Zermatt, was also impacted, with power outages reported across 37 municipalities. The region faced additional hardships as heavy rain led to the collapse of a bridge in Biella, Piedmont. Northern Italy dealt with severe flooding, particularly near the River Po, where it caused a tragic death of a 92-year-old man.
Reports indicate that over 20 centimeters of rain fell in some locales within just 36 hours, and extreme weather patterns expected river levels to rise significantly in the following days. Residents have expressed concern over the persistent rain, although an easing of the downpour is anticipated. Management of flood risks remains a priority, especially concerning the affected riverbanks and local infrastructure.
Though snowfall in the Alps during April isn't unusual, the intensity of this storm has led to thousands of homes losing power in the Savoie region of eastern France. Meanwhile, key routes, including the Simplon Pass to Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel, were closed in Switzerland, impacting tourists heading to the affected ski destinations.
In Valais, residents and visitors faced significant challenges as major road and rail networks were severed, isolating Zermatt in the southern region of the canton. Swiss media reported long lines outside the only active supermarket, as power and mobile service disruptions left locals vulnerable. The Alertswiss app warned of avalanche dangers, and schools in Sion were closed in response to the instances of bad weather.
Authorities cautioned travelers intending to visit over the Easter holidays to postpone their plans until Saturday. Local police have reinforced the message for everyone to stay indoors whenever possible.
Italy's Aosta Valley, southeast of Zermatt, was also impacted, with power outages reported across 37 municipalities. The region faced additional hardships as heavy rain led to the collapse of a bridge in Biella, Piedmont. Northern Italy dealt with severe flooding, particularly near the River Po, where it caused a tragic death of a 92-year-old man.
Reports indicate that over 20 centimeters of rain fell in some locales within just 36 hours, and extreme weather patterns expected river levels to rise significantly in the following days. Residents have expressed concern over the persistent rain, although an easing of the downpour is anticipated. Management of flood risks remains a priority, especially concerning the affected riverbanks and local infrastructure.
