30 Oct 2018 | 10:46 PM UTC
Switzerland: Storm Vaia causes disruptions in southern cantons Oct. 29-30
Heavy rains and high winds from Storm Vaia cause flooding, infrastructure damage, and road closures as of October 30; severe weather expected to continue through at least October 31
Event
Storm Vaia brought localized gale-force winds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph) and heavy rains totaling 50 cm (20 in) in parts of southern Switzerland on October 29-30. The severe weather caused waterways in the cantons of Ticino and Valais to overflow, prompting road closures due to flooding and fallen trees, and officials reported power outages in the canton of Grisons. Forecasts indicate the storm will impact the northern Alpine valleys through Wednesday, October 31, including the cantons of Aargau, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Zurich, and Thurgau.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions prior to setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through floodwaters can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
