Heavy snow has blanketed parts of Switzerland and France, causing major disruptions just as the Easter holiday begins. The Swiss ski resort Zermatt has been effectively isolated, with residents and tourists instructed to remain indoors, while the French resort Tignes faces significant risks linked to avalanches. Tignes' Mayor Serge Revial indicated that more than one meter of snow fell on the town, prompting immediate safety measures.
In the Savoie region of eastern France, the snowstorm resulted in widespread power outages, leaving thousands of homes dark. In Switzerland, vital travel routes, including the Simplon Pass and the Great St Bernard Tunnel, were shut down, isolating areas in the Valais and Bernese Oberland cantons, leaving tourists stranded.
Reports emerged of prolonged power interruptions and disrupted mobile phone services in Zermatt, where the only operational supermarket witnessed long queues. The Alertswiss app has provided crucial warnings about avalanche risks and fallen trees, while the city of Sion closed schools for the day.
Travelers planning Easter vacations have been advised to postpone their trips until at least Saturday, amid strong appeals for those in affected areas to stay home. The situation extended to neighboring Italy, where 37 of the 74 municipalities in Aosta Valley reported power outages, and severe flooding incidents led to concerns about public safety after a bridge collapsed in Biella.
In regions near Turin, rivers including the Po and Dora overflowed due to incessant rainfall, compounding the difficulties faced by residents. Meteorological forecasts warned of continued threats from rising river levels and recommended vigilance as conditions evolve.
In the Savoie region of eastern France, the snowstorm resulted in widespread power outages, leaving thousands of homes dark. In Switzerland, vital travel routes, including the Simplon Pass and the Great St Bernard Tunnel, were shut down, isolating areas in the Valais and Bernese Oberland cantons, leaving tourists stranded.
Reports emerged of prolonged power interruptions and disrupted mobile phone services in Zermatt, where the only operational supermarket witnessed long queues. The Alertswiss app has provided crucial warnings about avalanche risks and fallen trees, while the city of Sion closed schools for the day.
Travelers planning Easter vacations have been advised to postpone their trips until at least Saturday, amid strong appeals for those in affected areas to stay home. The situation extended to neighboring Italy, where 37 of the 74 municipalities in Aosta Valley reported power outages, and severe flooding incidents led to concerns about public safety after a bridge collapsed in Biella.
In regions near Turin, rivers including the Po and Dora overflowed due to incessant rainfall, compounding the difficulties faced by residents. Meteorological forecasts warned of continued threats from rising river levels and recommended vigilance as conditions evolve.
