Italy: Freezing rain, snow cause transportation disruptions in north March 2

Event

Freezing rain caused icy conditions and prompted significant transportation disruptions in northern Italy (including the regions of Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany, and Lombardy) as of Friday, March 2. Rail transportation and highway disruptions have particularly affected the Liguria and Emilia-Romagna regions. Notably, in Liguria, travel along the Genoa-Milan, Genoa-Turin, Genoa-Savona, and Parma-La Spezia rail lines had been suspended as of Friday morning (local time). Heavy snowfall has also been reported in Savona province (Liguria), which resulted in a traffic accident on the A10 highway and caused a segment of the Genoa-bound thoroughfare to close between Pietra Ligure and Savona. Traffic has been affected and, in some cases, suspended on several major highways in Emilia-Romagna as of 11:00.

Further freezing rain is possible in the coming hours in the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Consequent additional transportation disruptions are expected in the affected areas.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas of northern Italy are advised to monitor local weather reports, prepare for transportation disruptions amid icy conditions, allow for additional time to travel, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. road closures, etc.).