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Severe storms and hailstorms in Switzerland and Germany

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2026-08-29 16:20 UTC → 2026-08-29 16:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Severe storms and hailstorms struck parts of Switzerland and Germany on August 28, 2026, resulting in widespread property damage and emergency responses. In the Zurich region, including Glattfelden, Bülach, and Wallisellen, hailstones reaching up to 8 cm in diameter caused significant destruction to homes, vehicles, solar photovoltaic systems, and roofs. One resident described the event as looking like “the end of the world.” In Winterthur, Switzerland, violent storms produced hail the size of table-tennis balls, causing minor injuries and damage to skylights, windows, and roofs. Emergency services responded to approximately 50 calls regarding fallen trees and damaged structures. In Allensbach, Germany, heavy storms required fire department interventions to clear fallen trees from roads and manage detached structures, with additional assistance provided to neighboring Radolfzell. Subsequent reports indicate the scale of the impact in the Canton of Zurich was extensive, with approximately 40 people injured, most of whom were children. Many victims, particularly students in the Winterthur area, sustained head injuries and required hospitalization. Meteorologists characterized the event as a rare supercell storm, with Meteo Schweiz recording roughly 46,000 lightning strikes. The storm produced wind gusts of up to 142 km/h and caused a massive surge in emergency requests, with 450 calls received within a 30-minute window. Infrastructure damage included collapsed high-voltage poles, power outages, and shattered windshields on the A1 motorway. The severe weather also affected Italy’s Po Valley, causing damage to the Cremona Cathedral.

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