The first autumn storm hit Switzerland on Thursday battering parts of the country with heavy rain and gale-force winds, and disrupting the rail network.
The French-speaking part of Switzerland suffered the most damage from Storm Benjamin.
In Bière (Vaud), a wind-blown high-voltage power line pylon fell to the ground, but no injuries were reported.
Also in Vaud, in the community of Givrins, a tree fell on a bus. The driver and passengers escaped uninjured.
In Geneva, the Fire and Rescue Service (SIS) carried out around 60 operations between 7 am and 11 am, mainly related to falling trees.
In Bern too, emergency services had to intervene 30 times for flooded basements, downed trees, and heavy objects blocking roadways.
This map from MeteoNews weather service shows where the winds are strongest and how fast they travel.
Die Kaltfront von #Sturmtief #Benjamin liegt knapp westlich über Frankreich, sie erreicht bald den Jura. In erhöhten Lagen gibt es bereits erste #Orkanböen! Mit #Föhn gibt es aktuell knapp 20 Grad, auch sonst ist es mild. Radarbilder und Messwerte => https://t.co/2lv0pkyvq7 (km) pic.twitter.com/3YQRNexcFm
— MeteoNews Schweiz (@MeteoNewsAG) October 23, 2025
Disrupted train and ferry service
Many trains were delayed or cancelled altogether, especially in the cross-border routes.
Rail traffic was still suspended between Annemasse and Bellegarde-sur-Valserine and between Annemasse and Evian-les-Bains. There are also restrictions between Bienne and Moutier, Bienne and La Chaux-de-Fonds, and La Chaux-de-Fonds and Besançon.
More information about rail disruptions can be found here.
And no boats were circulating on Lake Geneva due to very choppy water.
The Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN) has announced the suspension of all its shuttle ferry services. No lake crossings were possible for the entire day.
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How long will the storm last?
According to the meteorologists’ current assessment, the storm will continue into Friday.
However, the wind will weaken somewhat during the night from Friday to Saturday.
It will remain light on Saturday and Sunday.
