Winter's Fury Strikes the Alps

A fierce winter storm has wreaked havoc across the Alps, with the iconic Swiss ski resort of Zermatt cut off from the outside world and tourists in the French resort of Tignes facing a stay-at-home order. Heavy snowfall on Thursday left both locations blanketed under over a meter of snow, prompting urgent safety measures.

Avalanche Risk Sparks Emergency Response

Tignes' Mayor Serge Revial issued a stark warning about the high avalanche risk, stating, "We had to make a decision to protect people." This decision came amid the severe snowfall that led to widespread power outages in the Savoie region of eastern France, impacting thousands.

Transport Chaos as Access Routes Close

In Switzerland, the closure of the Simplon Pass to Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel added to the travel chaos, massively impacting ski enthusiasts eager for some snowy fun. Regions of Valais and Bernese Oberland have been notably affected, with Zermatt completely cut off.

Road and rail access into Zermatt has been halted, leaving power outages and disrupted mobile networks in the wake of the storm. Local media reported long lines outside the sole supermarket still operating in town.

Safety First: Emergency Alerts and School Closures

The Alertswiss app has been inundated with alerts regarding avalanche risks and fallen trees in Valais, while schools were closed for safety in the city of Sion. Travelers were advised to postpone their trips until Saturday as local police urged everyone to remain indoors.

Italy: Flooding Compounds Weather Woes

To the south, the effects of the storm spilled over into Italy, with power outages affecting 37 out of 74 municipalities in the Aosta Valley. Tragically, a bridge collapsed in Biella, while fears have risen for a 92-year-old man presumed drowned due to floodwaters in his home near Turin.

The torrent of rain has led to rivers, including the Po, overflowing their banks, resulting in red alerts throughout several valleys. As one local resident put it, "It's been raining non-stop for days, very, very hard, although it's stopped now." While Turin remains safe, many riverside establishments have been forced to close.

What's Next? Stay Tuned for Updates!

As meteorologists continue to monitor the situation, they're warning of even more heavy rainfall in the coming hours, raising concerns about further flooding. The Alps are facing a true test of nature, urging travelers to stay safe and remain vigilant.