Severe storms lash Switzerland and southern Germany, causing widespread damage

Violent storms, accompanied by large hailstones, swept across parts of Switzerland and southern Germany on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction.

The cantons of Aargau, Zurich, and Schaffhausen in Switzerland experienced severe weather, leading to numerous damages and widespread flooding. In Zurich, approximately 40 people, mostly children, were injured by hail, with several requiring hospitalization. Hailstones in some areas reached diameters of up to six centimeters.

Southern Germany's Baden-Württemberg region was also significantly impacted. In Ulm, hailstones of considerable size were reported. The storms generated an estimated 46,000 lightning strikes across Switzerland within a short period, according to SRF Meteo, with two distinct bands of heavy hail stretching from the Basel region to Lake Constance.

Infrastructure damage was widespread. In Aargau, strong winds toppled four massive concrete pylons of a high-voltage line. A truck overturned on the A1 highway near Birrfeld, colliding with a delivery van. In Bülach, hail damaged building facades, shutters, and a restaurant pavilion. Train services between Biel and Olten were also interrupted due to storm damage.