Hailstorms Cause Millions in Damage in German-Speaking Switzerland

Severe hailstorms on Friday caused significant damage in German-speaking Switzerland. Allianz Suisse anticipates more than 10,000 claims for its insurance portfolio alone. The cantons of Aargau, Solothurn, and Zurich are particularly affected. An initial assessment by Gebäudeversicherung Zürich already indicates damages in the millions.

The storm front moved across parts of western and northwestern Switzerland on Friday morning, continuing towards the northeast. It brought large hailstones, fierce gales, and heavy rainfall. Locally, hailstones reached a diameter of up to six centimeters. SRF Meteo recorded approximately 46,000 lightning strikes. A storm cell that moved from Seeland across Aargau and the Zurich Unterland to Lake Constance was particularly affected.

Allianz Expects More Than 10,000 Claims

Allianz Suisse estimates more than 10,000 claims based on an initial projection. The estimate includes not only vehicles but also damage to buildings and other insured property. According to the insurer, the regions of Aargau, Solothurn, and Zurich are particularly affected.

A definitive total damage sum is not yet available. Allianz Suisse reports damages in the millions and notes that claims experts have only just begun assessing the damage. The number of reports is expected to increase in the coming days.

Approximately 30 Million Swiss Francs in Building Damage in Canton Zurich Alone

An initial independent assessment is provided by the Gebäudeversicherung Kanton Zürich (GVZ). Following Friday's storm, it currently anticipates more than 2,000 building damage reports and a total damage sum of approximately 30 million Swiss Francs. Areas in the districts of Bülach and Winterthur are particularly affected.

Significant damage is already evident on the first day. However, these figures are still provisional. They also refer only to building damage in Canton Zurich and therefore cannot be directly compared with Allianz's estimate for its entire insurance portfolio.

Winterthur Particularly Hard Hit

In Winterthur, the storm cell caused extensive damage, especially in Wülflingen and Oberwinterthur. Hailstones the size of table tennis balls damaged skylights and vehicle rear windows. Several people sustained minor injuries. The fire department and city police received around 50 alarm reports by the afternoon.

Injuries also occurred in the wider Zurich Unterland. In Neftenbach, around 40 people, mostly children, were injured by hail at a school. Several injured individuals required hospitalization.

Severe Damage in Aargau and Solothurn

In Aargau, several power poles collapsed. Power outages occurred temporarily in 17 municipalities. Additionally, buildings, vehicles, and trees were damaged. A truck also overturned on the A1 highway.