'Once in a century' storm hits some areas

Bad weather has hit southern and eastern areas. Rivers are flooded, hail has damaged buildings and snow is covering passes and mountain resorts.

In the last 48 hours 368 mm of rain fell in some parts of Ticino. Météosuisse says it’s a once in a century event. 

Rivers and streams are threatening to burst their banks and drinking water has been contaminated in some towns – including Bellinzona. 

In other areas, the Rhine has flooded in some parts of canton Sankt Gallen -there are official warnings in place. 

A campsite in Graubünden has been flooded. 

Snow is affecting traffic on some passes, including the Simplon. The resort of Zermatt is now snow covered, despite last week it was enjoying temperatures of over 30 degrees. 

There are now avalanche warnings in place in some parts of the Alps. 

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