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Heavy rain raises flood and avalanche risks

Wednesday, 13 December 2023 06:30

The heavy rain over the last few days is triggering flood and avalanche alerts - but forecasters say drier weather is coming.

In Geneva, bridges over the Arve were closed earlier as water levels rise.

The closures hit tram and bus lines.

Elsewhere in the country, the warmer weather and the rain means earlier snow falls are now getting wet and heavy, raising the risk of avalanches. 

Forecasters say it’s raining at 2,000 meters. Avalanche risks are extremely high in all mountain areas. 

Then the subsequent melt water will heighten flood risks downstream.

Canton Valais is being particularly hard hit. Some mountain roads are now unstable as the wet weather is destabilizing the ground. One has collapsed completely near Les Valettes and around 10 others are said to be at risk.

Cantonal authorities recommend road users to take care. 

But it’s expected the rain should lessen during the course of today and then temperatures are also expected to fall. That will cut avalanche risks quickly. 

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