Heavy snowfall has caused significant disruptions in the Alpine resorts of Switzerland and France, particularly affecting popular destinations like Zermatt and Tignes. On Thursday, the Swiss resort of Zermatt found itself cut off from the outside world, while in Tignes, authorities advised residents and tourists to stay indoors due to the dangerous conditions.
Tignes Mayor Serge Revial expressed concerns about the high risk of avalanches, noting that over a meter of snow had fallen in the area. This heavy snowfall, while not unusual for April in the Alps, has led to power outages affecting thousands of homes in the Savoie region of eastern France.
In Switzerland, the Simplon Pass and the Great St Bernard Tunnel were closed to traffic, impacting travel plans for many. The cantons of Valais and Bernese Oberland were particularly hard hit, with roads and railways leading to Zermatt blocked. Power outages were widespread, and mobile phone networks faced disruptions throughout the day. Reports indicated long lines outside the only supermarket still open in Zermatt, as residents stocked up on supplies.
The Alertswiss app warned of the risks of avalanches and falling trees in Valais, prompting local authorities to close schools in Sion. Travelers heading to the region for the Easter holiday were advised to postpone their trips until Saturday. Local police also urged people to remain at home if possible.
In Italy, the situation was similarly dire. Power outages affected 37 out of 74 municipalities in the Aosta Valley, and a bridge collapsed in Biella, Piedmont. While heavy rain was the main issue in north-west Italy, it caused rivers to overflow, leading to flooding. Tragically, a 92-year-old man was believed to have drowned in his home due to the flooding.
Meteorologists reported that some areas received over 20 centimeters of rain in just 36 hours, with extreme levels recorded in certain locations. Residents in Turin described the relentless rainfall, which has now stopped, but left rivers like the Po and the Dora at risk of overflowing. Authorities issued red alerts in several valleys, anticipating that river levels would peak in the coming days.
As the snow and rain continued to disrupt travel and daily life, many in the region are left to deal with the aftermath of this severe weather event.