The 3 record storms in the world and in Switzerland

Violent storms, whether cyclonic, tornado-like, or thunderstorm-like, can generate phenomenally powerful winds. These extreme events have left their mark on meteorological history, breaking impressive wind speed records. This article revisits some of the most incredible storms recorded on Earth and compares them to wind phenomena observed in Switzerland, a country renowned for its mountains and more temperate climate.

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The Most Violent Winds in History

1. The Bridge Creek-Moore Tornado (Oklahoma, USA) – May 3, 1999

The Bridge Creek-Moore tornado holds the absolute record for wind speed ever measured on Earth. Mobile Doppler radars recorded gusts reaching 517 km/h, A phenomenon of terrifying intensity. This EF5 tornado, the most devastating category, struck Oklahoma, killing 41 people and causing immense destruction. This record remains unbroken to this day, marking a turning point in the understanding of tornadoes and their destructive potential.

2. Cyclone Olivia (Australia) – April 10, 1996

Cyclone Olivia holds the record for the highest wind speed ever measured by an anemometer. A gust of 408 km/hThe record was set on Barrow Island, off the west coast of Australia. This record was validated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and remains unbroken, although similar phenomena have been observed. This cyclone also caused significant damage, although its effects were limited to a relatively isolated area.

3. Mount Washington (New Hampshire, USA) – April 12, 1934

Before Hurricane Olivia set its record, Mount Washington held the strongest recorded wind gust on Earth with 372 km/h. This station, perched at an altitude of 1,916 meters, remains one of the places most exposed to violent weather, due to its geographical position and the magnitude of the storms that can develop there.

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Record-breaking storms filmed, the most violent

Storms in Switzerland: A More Moderate Country, But Not Immune

1. Storm Vivian (Switzerland, February 1990)

Although storms in Switzerland are not as frequent or as devastating as those seen elsewhere in the world, they can nevertheless reach impressive speeds. Storm Vivian, in February 1990, produced gusts reaching 268 km/h on the Great St. Bernard Pass, one of the highest points in Switzerland. This storm ravaged a large part of the Swiss Alps, causing significant material damage, particularly to vegetation and infrastructure.

2. February 2020 storm (Switzerland)

On February 4, 2020, a storm that struck the Swiss Alps caused gusts exceeding 170 km/h in the Napf and Bantiger mountains, setting a national record. Although less impressive than global storms, this storm was one of the most violent in recent years in Switzerland, causing transport disruptions and power outages in some areas.

3. La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland, July 2023)

Another striking example occurred on July 24, 2023, when wind gusts of 217 km/h were measured in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a city in eastern Switzerland. Although this wind did not reach world records, it was part of a series of extreme weather events that disfigured the local landscape, with uprooted trees and damaged roofs.

There Storm Lothar, The storm that occurred at the end of 1999 remains one of the most significant weather events of the late 20th century in Europe, and particularly affected Switzerland, France and Germany.

Details of Storm Lothar

Lothar was a very powerful storm that struck Western Europe on the night of December 26-27, 1999. This storm reached exceptional wind speeds, with gusts exceeding 200 km/h in some areas. It is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the region during the winter.

Features and Impact

• Wind Speed In Switzerland, the most violent wind gusts were measured at 250 km/h on Mount Säntis in the Swiss Alps. At lower altitudes, gusts of 140 to 180 km/h have been observed, particularly in the Jura and Pre-Alps regions.
• Damage Lothar caused enormous destruction. Trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, roofs were damaged, and numerous infrastructures were disrupted. In France, the storm claimed more than 100 lives and caused considerable material damage, particularly in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, where gusts reached nearly 200 km/h.
• Economic losses In Switzerland, the damage was estimated at several billion Swiss francs. Forests were particularly affected, with thousands of pine and other trees uprooted, having a lasting impact on the forestry industry and the ecosystem.

Long-Term Consequences

Lothar had a significant impact on natural disaster management in Europe. Following this storm, meteorological authorities strengthened their forecasting and response capabilities for extreme storms. The storm also contributed to increased awareness of climate risks and the need for enhanced preparedness for such events.

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Comparing Storms: Switzerland vs. The World

Compared to global events, Switzerland remains relatively protected from extreme weather, primarily due to its temperate climate and mountainous geography. However, the Alpine topography allows for the formation of strong winds during storms, and although Swiss records are far lower than those observed in the United States or Australia, they are not negligible.

Comparative Table of Wind Speeds:

Phenomenon	Wind Speed (km/h)	Place
Tornado Bridge Creek-Moore	517 km/h	Oklahoma, United States
Cyclone Olivia	408 km/h	Barrow Island, Australia
Mount Washington	372 km/h	New Hampshire, United States
Vivian's Storm	268 km/h	Great St. Bernard Pass, Switzerland
Storm in La Chaux-de-Fonds	217 km/h	La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Napf and Bantiger Storm	170 km/h	Napf and Bantiger, Switzerland

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Storms, hurricanes and cyclones 🌪️

Violent storms, whether cyclones, tornadoes, or thunderstorms, serve as a stark reminder of nature's raw power. While world records are dominated by winds exceeding 500 km/h, Switzerland, although more sheltered, also experiences periods of extreme wind, particularly in its mountainous regions. Meteorological monitoring and preventative measures remain crucial to limiting the damage caused by these phenomena, and although Switzerland is not as prone to storms as devastating as those in the United States or Australia, it is nonetheless vulnerable to the vagaries of nature.