# Storm Benjamin Unleashes Record Gusts, Disrupts Switzerland
A powerful autumn storm, dubbed “Benjamin,” swept across Switzerland on Thursday, October 22, 2025, bringing record-breaking wind speeds and prompting widespread alerts for potential damage. The storm’s strongest gust – a staggering 149 km/h – was recorded on the Säntis mountain, marking a new measurement record for the region. Emergency services remain on high alert as the storm continues to impact communities throughout central Switzerland.
Keywords: Storm benjamin, Switzerland, Autumn Storm, Weather Warning, Säntis
Widespread Impacts and Emergency Response
Table of Contents
Storm benjamin caused significant disruption across Switzerland, with reports of damage emerging from various regions.Emergency services are actively responding to incidents, indicating the severity of the weather event. The Canton of Basel-Stadt is among the areas closely monitoring the situation,preparing for potential fallout from the intense weather system.
“Emergency services are working tirelessly to address the challenges posed by the storm,” a senior official stated.
The storm’s impact extends beyond immediate damage, with concerns rising about potential disruptions to transportation and infrastructure. Train services were suspended in several cantons due to fallen trees obstructing tracks, and numerous roads were closed due to flooding and debris.The Swiss Federal Railways reported over 100 delays and cancellations. Power outages affected approximately 15,000 homes and businesses, primarily in the cantons of Bern and Lucerne.
Record Wind Speeds on the Säntis
The most striking aspect of Storm Benjamin has been the exceptionally high wind speeds recorded on the Säntis. The 149 km/h gust represents a significant benchmark, exceeding previous measurements for the mountain.MeteoNews confirmed the record,highlighting the unusual intensity of this autumn weather system. The previous record, set in 2018, was 138 km/h.Experts attribute the increased intensity to a rare confluence of atmospheric conditions,including a strong jet stream and a deep low-pressure system over the North Sea.
This extreme wind speed underscores the vulnerability of mountainous regions to severe weather events. “. A visual depiction of wind speed data across Switzerland during the storm would be beneficial here.
Wintry Conditions in the Mountains
While central Switzerland experienced strong winds and heavy rain, mountainous areas faced a more wintry scenario. The storm brought colder temperatures and the possibility of snowfall at higher elevations. This combination of wind and cold creates hazardous conditions for hikers and climbers,prompting authorities to issue warnings against venturing into the mountains. Several mountain passes, including the Grimsel pass and Susten Pass, were temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions.
According to reports from Swiss radio and television, the transition to wintry conditions occurred rapidly, catching some unprepared. Rescue teams were dispatched to assist stranded hikers near Zermatt, though no serious injuries were reported.
Ongoing Weather Warnings and Regional Concerns
The Luzerner Zeitung reported that the weather warning for Storm Benjamin remains in effect, urging residents to exercise caution and secure their property. The storm is expected to gradually subside,but lingering effects are anticipated throughout the region. By late Friday, October 23rd, the storm had moved eastward, weakening as it crossed into Austria. Though, authorities continue to monitor river levels for potential flooding as snowmelt combines with residual rainfall. The final assessment of damages is expected next week.
The daily Gazette reported that the Swiss government has
