Switzerland battles heavy snowfall as avalanche risks and power cuts rise
Heavy snowfall swept across Switzerland on Thursday, causing widespread disruption. Over a thousand homes in the Diemtigtal valley lost power, while icy roads led to multiple traffic accidents. Authorities warned of high avalanche risks in some regions, even as lighter snow fell on cities in the Swiss Plateau. MeteoSwiss had predicted 10 to 30 centimetres of fresh snow on the northern slopes of the Alps by Thursday evening. The weight of snow and ice likely damaged power lines, cutting electricity to more than a thousand households in the Diemtigtal valley.
In Graubünden, snowstorms created dangerous conditions, with a high avalanche risk along the Alpine crest. St. Gallen police reported around a dozen weather-related accidents, though no injuries occurred. Meanwhile, light, intermittent snow dusted cities across the Swiss Plateau throughout the day. Despite the cold snap, warmer weather is on the way. Temperatures of 16°C or higher are forecast for the Swiss Plateau by Easter Sunday. However, Ticino remains under a total ban on outdoor fires due to dry ground and persistent drought.
The snowfall brought immediate challenges, from power cuts to hazardous driving conditions. With temperatures set to rise next week, conditions may shift quickly. The situation highlights the variable nature of spring weather in the Alps.
