Autumn Storm Benjamin Unleashes Powerful Winds Across Switzerland

Storm Benjamin Hits Switzerland with Force

Autumn storm 'Benjamin' is currently sweeping across Switzerland on Thursday, October 23, 2025, bringing with it powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The low-pressure system, originating near the British Isles, is causing significant disruptions and prompting warnings from meteorological services across the country. The storm is expected to impact a large portion of Switzerland, with particular alerts issued for cantons including Bern, Zurich, Aargau, Solothurn, and Lucerne, as well as parts of eastern and French-speaking Switzerland.

Wind Speeds and Recorded Gusts

The storm is characterized by strong westerly winds, with varying intensities across different altitudes. In the lowlands, wind speeds are forecast to reach between 80 and 90 km/h, with some areas potentially experiencing gusts up to 100 km/h. Higher altitudes, particularly in the mountains and on exposed ridges of the Prealps and the Jura, are facing more severe conditions, with gusts expected to exceed 120 to 150 km/h. Some forecasts even indicated potential peaks of up to 160 km/h in these elevated regions.

Initial reports confirm these strong winds. Gusts of 118 km/h were recorded on the Moléson (FR), and a peak of 131 km/h was observed in Les Diablerets (Vaud). In the Delémont plain (JU), winds reached up to 94 km/h. The storm's peak intensity is anticipated between 12 noon and 4 p.m. for most regions, with the northeast experiencing its strongest winds approximately an hour later.

Impacts and Official Warnings

The strong winds and heavy rain associated with Storm Benjamin are leading to several impacts across Switzerland. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, as the conditions pose a considerable danger. MeteoSwiss has issued a 'considerable danger' warning, rated as level 3, for several cantons. Potential consequences include:

• Falling branches and individual trees
• Slippery road conditions due to rain and wind
• Traffic delays caused by fallen trees, as reported in the cantons of Neuchâtel and Jura
• The federal government has advised securing loose objects to prevent damage.

In addition to the strong winds, a significant drop in temperature is also expected, with a decrease of up to 10°C within 24 hours as an active cold front crosses the country.

Outlook

As Autumn Storm Benjamin continues its trajectory across Switzerland, meteorological services will maintain close monitoring of its progression and any further developments. Residents are advised to stay informed through official weather channels and adhere to safety recommendations issued by local authorities.