Austria, Italy: Adverse weather forecast across northern Italy and western Austria through at least July 26

Event

Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are forecast across parts of northern Italy and western Austria through at least July 26. Heavy downpours and lightning may accompany the storms. As of early July 25, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): western Carinthia and most of Tyrol states in Austria as well as Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto regions in Italy.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: the rest of the affected area.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across the affected area. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst-affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and track blockages.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Austria Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics
Italy Servizio Meteorologico Aeronautica Militare