What to do when rain is forecast
Sustained heavy rainfall can generally be predicted a few days in advance. During this period, it is always important to be aware of the potential hazards associated with heavy rainfall (flooding, landslides, etc.).
Potential impacts and hazard categories of heavy rainfall
- If (part of) your home is at risk of flooding (e.g. basement, cellar), move your possessions to a higher floor or safer location and unplug any electrical devices
What to do during heavy rainfall
Heavy downpours cause streams and rivers to rise very rapidly, and can quickly lead to flooding in cer-tain areas and cause landslides where there is steeply sloping terrain. You should always take care when outdoors in heavy rain, particularly when you are close to water or steep slopes, but also when driving on the road.
- Stay away from water bodies and steep slopes
- Pay attention to possible flood warnings from the FOEN
- Keep out of cellars and basements when there is a danger of flooding (see procedures for flooding)
- Avoid watercourses in the mountains at all cost, as these are prone to mudslides. A mudslide can occur very suddenly and without warning, and can be a powerful destructive force
- Avoid steep watercourses in the mountains at all cost, as these are prone to mudslides. A mudslide can occur very suddenly and without warning, and can be a powerful destructive force
- Avoid flooded stretches of road and drive around
- When on the road, keep further away from other vehicles than you would on dry roads. The braking distance is longer on wet roads
- Close doors, windows and roof hatches
What to do after heavy rainfall
Even after the rain has abated or stopped, streams and rivers will still be very high. You should continue to take extra care until the flood risk has passed.
- Continue to stay away from water bodies and steep slopes
- Mudslides are still a possibility along steep watercourses in the mountains, and these areas should be avoided until the high water has abated
Avoid flooded stretches of road, drive around rather than through large puddles in the road