14 Sep 2023 | 11:45 AM UTC
Italy: Adverse weather forecast across central and northern regions through at least Sept. 16 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across central and northern Italy through at least Sept. 16. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast across central and northern Italy, as well as Sardinia, through at least Sept. 16. Heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may lead to power outages and property damage in affected areas.
As of Sept. 14, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of the affected area.
Yellow rain warnings: Emilia-Romagna Region.
Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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 stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
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 affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Localized business disruptions may occur in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding is forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
