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Severe Weather Disrupts Alpine Resorts
The Swiss ski destination of Zermatt has been isolated as heavy snowfall has engulfed the region, prompting authorities to instruct both tourists and residents to remain indoors. Meanwhile, Tignes, a notable resort in France, is facing similar challenges due to the severe weather conditions.
Serge Revial, the Mayor of Tignes, expressed concerns about the substantial avalanche risks, stating that significant snowfall exceeding a meter necessitated protective measures for public safety.
While snowfall is typical for the Alps during April, the recent weather events have caused widespread disruption. Thousands of homes across the Savoie region in eastern France have experienced power outages.
Crossing into Switzerland, the Simplon Pass and the Great St Bernard Tunnel have been closed, affecting traffic flow into Italy. Two Swiss cantons, Valais and Bernese Oberland, have reported significant impacts, including disruptions for tourists planning ski holidays.
Access to Zermatt, located in the southern Valais canton, has been severely hampered, with both road and rail routes cut off. Residents faced a day-long power outage, compounded by issues in mobile telecommunications.
Local media reported long queues forming outside the only supermarket operating in Zermatt. The Alertswiss app has issued warnings regarding avalanche risks and potential falling trees in Valais, alongside major transportation disruptions. In response to the conditions, schools in the city of Sion have been closed for the day.
Travelers planning to visit the region for Easter have been advised to delay their journeys until Saturday, as local law enforcement has urged residents to remain indoors where possible.
In Italy, specifically in the Aosta Valley south of Zermatt, approximately half of its municipalities have reported power outages. A bridge collapse has also been reported in Biella, part of the Piedmont region.
The main challenge in north-west Italy has stemmed from heavy rainfall leading to rivers overflowing. Tragically, a 92-year-old man is believed to have drowned in the flooding at his residence in Monteu da Po, located near Turin.
Witnesses describe dramatic scenes as floodwaters swept through village streets in the vicinity of the River Po. Red alerts have been issued in various valleys, with particular concern for the Po as river levels are predicted to peak within the next 24 hours.
Meteorologists have indicated that some areas have received upwards of 20 centimeters of rain in just 36 hours, with isolated peaks recorded even higher. Manuela, a resident of Turin, shared her experience, noting, “It has been raining continuously and heavily for days, although it has finally stopped now.” She added, “The Po and Dora rivers near Turin have overflowed. Although the city itself is fine, several bars and restaurants along the riverbanks have been closed.”
Source
www.bbc.com