Flood: danger level rises

Due to large amounts of rain in recent weeks, the soils and deeper subsoil are heavily saturated at the moment. Additional water enters the soils from snowmelt or into karst water systems, such as MeteoSwiss writes. With the predicted precipitation, it is possible that known landslides will accelerate or be reactivated and subsequent processes such as debris flows will occur, the warning continues. Special caution is advised on steep slopes during excavation and earthworks in the critical areas.

According to the weather forecast, today, Thursday, the intense continuous rain in conjunction with a snow line of more than 3000 m and the already saturated soil in many regions will cause widespread Flood lead.

Warning level 3

According to current forecasts, the Maggia river will have a Warning level 3 On the Ticino as well as Lago Maggiore and Lago di Lugano and its outflow on the Tresa, the limit to warning level 2 is exceeded. It is possible that in the course of the flood event the warning level 3 will also be reached on the Ticino. Furthermore, MeteoSwiss announces:

• The level of the Alpenrhein rose to danger level 2 during Thursday, Lake Constance will reach level 3 on Friday or Saturday, he said.
• The water levels of the Urner Reuss and Lake Lucerne will rise in stage 2.
• The water levels of the Thur will also rise significantly, reaching warning level 2 is possible depending on the course of the precipitation train.

Danger at Lake Constance - Level 4

Lake Constance is currently in danger level 3 and continues to rise. Currently, the lake is full and spills over the shore in places. Danger level 4 is expected to be reached by Friday evening. At this danger level, shore areas can be flooded. The communities on Lake Constance are taking the necessary precautions to protect infrastructures and buildings and to prevent damage. Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Zurich, Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva also continue to rise, but are not expected to exceed danger level 2.

The risk of landslides still exists. Known landslides may be accelerated or reactivated. Spontaneous landslides or hillslope debris flows are possible in areas with particularly intense precipitation, but these are not forecast for the next two days. Special caution is advised for digging and earthworks on steep slopes due to saturated soils.

The federal natural hazard agencies continue to monitor the situation around the clock, maintain a close exchange and jointly assess developments. MeteoSwiss is responsible for weather phenomena such as heavy precipitation or thunderstorms, the Federal Office for the Environment for floods and landslides.

Sources: Federal Office for the Environment / MeteoSwiss