The Swiss ski resort of Zermatt is currently isolated, and local authorities, including Tignes Mayor Serge Revial in France, have cautioned residents and visitors to remain indoors due to the intense snowfalls. The region received over a meter of snow, raising avalanche risks and prompting safety measures. This disruption occurs at the start of the Easter holiday season, impacting thousands of homes in the Savoie region of eastern France which are now without electricity.
In Switzerland, transportation headaches abound as the Simplon Pass and the Great St Bernard Tunnel have been closed. Two cantons, Valais and Bernese Oberland, are amongst the hardest hit, severely affecting access for ski tourists. Reports indicate that Zermatt is particularly isolated, with transport routes shut down, widespread power outages, and phone networks significantly disrupted. Long lines were seen outside the town's only operational supermarket, highlighting the strain on local services.
In response to the escalating snow and safety hazards, alerts about avalanches and falling trees were sent out via the Alertswiss app. Authorities in the nearby city of Sion closed schools and cautioned travelers planning to visit for the Easter festivities to postpone their journeys until at least Saturday.
Meanwhile, conditions worsened in north-west Italy, where heavy rains have compounded issues, leading to flooding and a reported drowning. The Aosta Valley experienced power outages affecting 37 municipalities, while severe weather warnings are in place as river levels threaten to rise dangerously high. Meteorological reports highlighted more than 20 centimeters of rain falling within a short period, exacerbating concerns for local communities near the swollen Po River.
"As the rains continued for days, countless streets rushed with water, though things seem quieter now," noted Manuela, a local resident in Turin. Businesses have been temporarily closed, but the city itself remains stable as drastic measures keep residents safe.
In Switzerland, transportation headaches abound as the Simplon Pass and the Great St Bernard Tunnel have been closed. Two cantons, Valais and Bernese Oberland, are amongst the hardest hit, severely affecting access for ski tourists. Reports indicate that Zermatt is particularly isolated, with transport routes shut down, widespread power outages, and phone networks significantly disrupted. Long lines were seen outside the town's only operational supermarket, highlighting the strain on local services.
In response to the escalating snow and safety hazards, alerts about avalanches and falling trees were sent out via the Alertswiss app. Authorities in the nearby city of Sion closed schools and cautioned travelers planning to visit for the Easter festivities to postpone their journeys until at least Saturday.
Meanwhile, conditions worsened in north-west Italy, where heavy rains have compounded issues, leading to flooding and a reported drowning. The Aosta Valley experienced power outages affecting 37 municipalities, while severe weather warnings are in place as river levels threaten to rise dangerously high. Meteorological reports highlighted more than 20 centimeters of rain falling within a short period, exacerbating concerns for local communities near the swollen Po River.
"As the rains continued for days, countless streets rushed with water, though things seem quieter now," noted Manuela, a local resident in Turin. Businesses have been temporarily closed, but the city itself remains stable as drastic measures keep residents safe.
