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Alpine Storm Leaves Four Dead, Two Missing, and Avalanche Risks at Peak Levels

A record-breaking spring snowstorm has paralyzed parts of France, Italy, and Switzerland, with ongoing rescue efforts for missing persons and widespread disruption to transport and power networks.

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Overview

  • Over a metre of snow fell across the Alps, prompting the highest avalanche warnings and widespread closures of roads, trains, and ski resorts.
  • Four fatalities have been confirmed, including a 27-year-old British man in Val Thorens and two volunteers in Vicenza, Italy.
  • Rescue teams are searching for a missing father and son swept away in their car near Vicenza, as avalanche risks remain critical.
  • Thousands of homes in France and Italy experienced power outages, while heavy trucks remain stranded due to closed cross-border tunnels.
  • Meteorologists described the snowfall as 'historic' for April, raising concerns about potential flooding as temperatures rise.