Regions in northeastern France, northern Italy and southern Switzerland were hit by storms and torrential rain over the weekend, causing landslides and flooding and leaving seven people reported dead. The storms are the latest in a series of extreme weather events across Europe, with destinations such as Greece and Turkey seeing scorching temperatures and wildfires.
Naturally, people with trips booked to Switzerland or other affected areas may be wondering if it’s safe to travel. Here’s what we know so far about traveling to the region:
Where are the European storms?
Southern Switzerland was hit hard by the storm, with heavy rains causing landslides in the southeastern canton of Ticino and the Rhône river flooding in several places in the southwestern canton of Valais, where hundreds of people were reported to have been evacuated.
In France, three people were killed in the storm in the northeastern Aube region. Extreme weather conditions affected several parts of northern Italy, including the northern town of Noassca, which suffered severe flooding after the nearby Noasschetta River overflowed its banks. Heavy rains lashed Lake Garda, Emilia Romagna and Parma, washing away cars and submerging roads.
Are airlines still flying to Switzerland and the affected areas?
No flight cancellations have been reported and airlines continue to fly to Switzerland and the affected areas.
What does the British Foreign Office say?
The foreign ministry is not advising people against travel to Switzerland or the storm-hit areas, and the Swiss safety and security website has a section on extreme weather, advising travellers to “monitor the weather forecast and conditions, and be appropriately equipped to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
Can I cancel my trip and get a refund?
As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not advised people to avoid travel, you will not be able to get a refund for your trip. However, if you are worried, we recommend contacting your travel company to see what they can do for you – you may be able to change your travel dates.
Where else in Europe have been affected by extreme weather?
While some parts of Europe are suffering from floods, many others are battling wildfires and scorching heat. Scorching temperatures and strong winds have sparked wildfires in Greece and Turkey in recent weeks. Over the weekend, firefighters battled two wildfires near Athens as the Greek capital continued to be hit by a record heatwave. Stay up to date: Sign up for the free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best happenings around the world.
