The transition altitude between ‘low and medium altitudes’ and ‘higher altitudes’ is 1000 m above sea level for the Jura and the low-lying areas of the northern side of the Alps, and 1600 m above sea level for the Alps themselves as well as their southern side.

Wind warnings are issued for levels 2 – 5.

Meaning of danger level 2 (moderate danger)

Objects that are unsecured or inadequately secured may fall over. Smaller branches may break off.

Recommendations for action

• Before a storm: Secure any freestanding objects outdoors.
• Avoid forests, tree-lined avenues and areas with a lot of trees.

Additional information

• Stormy winds in low and medium-altitude areas (incl. Foehn winds): 70-90 km/h
• Stormy winds in higher altitude areas (>1600 m above sea level): 100-130 km/h

Meaning of danger level 3 (considerable danger)

Branches may break off and trees may be toppled. Individual roofs may be damaged.  Lightly secured, large objects such as tents and scaffolding may be blown over. Road, rail, water and air travel may be disrupted. There is an increased risk of road accidents due to strong crosswinds.

Recommendations for action

• Avoid forests, tree-lined avenues and areas with a lot of trees.
• Before a storm: Secure any freestanding objects outdoors, retract any awnings.
• Keep off roofs, the edges of buildings and rock ledges.
• Watch out for falling objects such as roof tiles, branches or power lines
• When driving, watch out for strong crosswinds at exposed points such as bridges, drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• If possible, do not park vehicles in the open.

Additional information

• Top wind speeds in low to medium-altitude areas (incl. Foehn winds): 90-110 km/h
• Top wind speeds in higher-altitude areas (>1600 m above sea level): 130-160 km/h

Meaning of danger level 4 (high danger)

Branches may break off and trees may be toppled. Individual roofs may be damaged. Lightly secured, large objects such as tents and scaffolding may be blown over. Road, rail, water and air travel may be disrupted. There is an increased risk of road accidents due to strong crosswinds.

Recommendations for action

• Avoid forests, tree-lined avenues and areas with a lot of trees.
• Before a storm: Secure any freestanding objects outdoors, retract any awnings.
• Keep off roofs, the edges of buildings or rock ledges.
• Watch out for falling objects such as roof tiles, branches or power lines.
• Do not repair any damage to buildings or infrastructure during the storm. Only begin repairs once the storm warning has been withdrawn.
• When driving, pay particular attention to crosswinds at exposed points such as bridges, drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles
• If possible, do not park vehicles in the open.

Additional information

• Top wind speeds in low to medium-altitude areas (incl. Foehn winds): 110-140 km/h
• Top wind speeds in higher-altitude areas (>1600 m above sea level): 160-200 km/h

Meaning of danger level 5 (very high danger)

Trees, entire groups of trees or sections of forest as well as electricity pylons/poles may be blown over. Buildings could be seriously damaged. Road, rail, water and air travel may be disrupted or come to a complete standstill. Large, empty vehicles may tip over. Large, firmly secured objects such as tents or scaffolding as well as freestanding objects such as garden furniture may also be toppled or blown away by the wind. High waves may break over the banks of lakes. The power supply and telephone communications network may suffer outages over large areas and for long periods of time.

Recommendations for action

• Avoid forests, tree-lined avenues and areas with a lot of trees.
• Before a storm: Secure any freestanding objects outdoors, retract any awnings.
• Observe storm warnings at lakes.
• Keep off roofs, the edges of buildings or rock ledges.
• Watch out for falling objects such as roof tiles, branches or power lines.
• Do not repair any damage to buildings or infrastructure during the storm. Only begin repairs once the storm warning has been withdrawn.
• When driving, watch out for strong crosswinds at exposed points such as bridges, drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• If possible, do not park vehicles in the open.

Additional information

• Top wind speeds in low to medium-altitude areas: >140 km/h
• Top wind speeds in higher-altitude areas (>1600 m above sea level): >200 km/h