02 Dec 2022 | 01:24 PM UTC
Italy: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 5 /update 2
Severe weather forecast across much of Italy through at least Dec. 5. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of Italy through at least Dec. 5. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in eastern and northwestern regions Dec. 2, as well as snowfall over Alpine regions. More widespread rainfall is forecast across much of the country Dec. 3-4, as well as further snowfall over the Alps. Further showers and snowfall are likely in northern and central regions Dec. 5, before conditions generally improve across much of the country Dec. 6.
As of Dec. 2, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the affected regions:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Campania Region.
Orange snowfall warnings: Piedmont Region.
Orange strong wind warnings: Liguria Region.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Liguria and Piedmont regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Liguria Region.
Yellow snowfall warnings: Aosta Valley Region.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Calabria, Campania, Lazio, Piedmont, and Tuscany regions.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Authorities on the island of Ischia in Campania Region have ordered the evacuation of more than 1,000 people in Casamicciola Terme Municipality due to the severe weather forecast. The port city is still recovering from landslides and mudflows triggered by heavy rainfall early Nov. 26. Officials have reported 11 fatalities and one other person is still missing following the event. The pre-emptive evacuation measures are taking place in areas at risk of further landslides.
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.
