Severe thunderstorms struck Switzerland on Tuesday evening, July 1, 2026, triggering rockfalls in Central Switzerland and forcing flight diversions at Zurich Airport. The storms caused significant disruptions to road, rail, and air travel, while authorities in Zurich issued a danger level 4 warning for the region.
What happened in Central Switzerland?
In the canton of Uri, heavy rainfall caused a “Murgang” (mudslide) on the Sustenpass side between Gorezmettlen and the pass summit, according to the Uri Cantonal Police. The Alertswiss app also reported that the Seestrasse in Seedorf UR was closed between the local schoolhouse and Bolzbach due to a rockfall or landslide.
The TCS reported that flooding forced the closure of the A2 highway between Bolzbach and Seedorf. In the canton of Obwalden, SBB reported that weather conditions interrupted rail traffic on the IR and S5 lines between Alpnach Dorf and Alpnachstad, leaving no current travel options between the two locations.
The Uri Cantonal Police confirmed that the rockfall or landslide event on the Sustenpass side was specifically a mudslide triggered by the intense thunderstorm.
How were Zurich and surrounding areas affected?
The federal government declared a danger level 4 for the Zurich region following heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. In the city of Zurich, the Linkin Park concert at Letzigrund was temporarily interrupted by the weather, though the event eventually resumed.
Municipalities including Wallisellen, Dübendorf, and Rafz were hit particularly hard, with some areas recording more than 100 emergency deployments per municipality. Footage from Rafz showed flooded streets and agricultural land.
Why were flights diverted from Zurich Airport?
Safety concerns regarding incoming aircraft led to multiple flight diversions from Zurich Airport to Stuttgart. Numerous Swiss connections were affected, including flights from London, Berlin, Munich, Budapest, Warsaw, and Copenhagen.
Additionally, Air Baltic flights operating on behalf of Swiss from Naples and Stockholm were rerouted to Stuttgart. Passengers experienced significant delays as aircraft had to land, refuel, and undergo handling in Germany before continuing to their original destinations.
The simultaneous disruption of major transit arteries—including the A2 highway, SBB rail lines, and Zurich Airport—highlights how extreme weather events can create immediate, cascading logistical challenges across a nation’s transport infrastructure.
What happens next?
Authorities in Seedorf UR have scheduled a re-evaluation of the situation for Wednesday at 5:00 AM. Local officials have urged the population to follow all instructions provided by emergency services and authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were there any reported injuries from the storms?
The Uri Cantonal Police stated that no one was injured during the mudslide or rockfall events.
Which flight routes were redirected to Germany?
Swiss flights from London, Berlin, Munich, Budapest, Warsaw, and Copenhagen were diverted, along with Air Baltic flights from Naples and Stockholm.
Which train lines were affected in Obwalden?
The SBB reported interruptions to the IR and S5 lines between Alpnach Dorf and Alpnachstad.
How long will it take for transport links to return to normal operations?
