Europe is facing widespread weather disruptions. Violent storms and sudden floods in Spain and France have caused casualties and significant damage. Meanwhile, Switzerland is bracing for heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions in its mountainous regions.
In Obergesteln, located in the Valais canton, residents woke up on Monday under a thick blanket of snow. Meteorologists predict up to one meter of snow this week, with strong winds increasing the risk of avalanches in Valais, the northern Alps, and Graubünden.
“This week will be stormy until Thursday,” said Klaus Marquardt from Meteo News. “There may be brief periods of sunshine, but mainly there will be storms and heavy snowfall in the mountains.”
The first incident was recorded Monday morning: a train in Goppenstein was derailed due to an avalanche, and rescue teams are expecting several injuries.
However, for ski resorts, the heavy snowfall is a blessing after an unusually dry January, providing better piste conditions and the potential for a longer season, particularly in the western and central Alps.
These extreme weather events are caused by new storm systems forming over the Atlantic, which then move toward Europe, bringing storms, floods, and heavy snow across the continent.
