24 Jul 2023 | 03:39 PM UTC
France, Switzerland: Casualties and damage reported following a storm in border area between eastern France and western Switzerland July 24
Casualties and damage reported following a storm in eastern France and western Switzerland July 24. Response operations are ongoing.
Event
Response operations are ongoing after a severe storm struck areas along the border between eastern France and western Switzerland July 24. Winds gusting up to 217 kph (135 mph) were reported in parts of Doubs Department in France and Neuchatel Canton in Switzerland in the Jura massif mountain range. Authorities have confirmed at least one fatality in La Chaux-de-Fonds on the Swiss side of the border; several others have reportedly been injured. Bus and train services to and from La Chaux-de-Fonds have been suspended July 24. No casualties have been reported on the French side of the border; however, damage to at least 80 homes has been reported in the municipalities of Grand'Combe-Chateleu, Montlebon, Morteau, and Villers-le-Lac in Doubs Department.
Further adverse weather is possible in the coming hours: Meteo France has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for Doubs Department and MeteoSwiss has issued orange possible thunderstorm warnings across Neuchatel Canton. Further storms may bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, lightning, and possible hail to the region. The adverse weather will likely hamper ongoing response efforts and may trigger additional damage in areas where infrastructure has already been weakened by the previous storm.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Additional power outages are possible in areas impacted by the weather system.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause additional delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas subject to heavy rainfall and track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast or reported. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
