15 Aug 2022 | 03:13 PM UTC
Italy: Severe weather forecast across northern and central regions through at least Aug. 19 /update 3
Severe weather forecast across northern and central Italy through at least Aug. 19. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Rounds of thunderstorms are forecast to break out across much of northern and central Italy through at least Aug. 19. Storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong winds, and lightning.
As of Aug. 15, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Lazio, Sardinia, Tuscany, and Umbria regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto regions.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Trentino-South Tyrol, Tuscany, Umbria, and Veneto regions.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Sarnia, Tuscany, and Umbria regions.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts 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 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.
