Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of France, Italy, and Switzerland through at least Oct. 21 /update 1

Event

Severe weather is forecast across parts of France, Italy, and Switzerland through at least Oct. 21. An Atlantic weather disturbance will move over southeastern France, northern Italy, and southern Switzerland Oct. 19-20, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to the affected region, as well as rough seas along the Mediterranean coast. Storm Babet will also impact parts of northwestern France by Oct. 19, with thunderstorms and rough seas likely. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Rainfall accumulations of 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches) are possible in parts of southeastern France. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

Meteo France has issued yellow rain-flood warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for parts of northwestern, southern, and southeastern France and thunderstorm warnings across much of eastern, northwestern, and southeastern France Oct. 19. Yellow strong wind warnings are in place for some eastern and southern regions and yellow rough sea warnings for parts of the northwestern and southern coastlines. Orange rain-flood warnings have been issued for parts of far southeastern France Oct. 20. Yellow rain-flood, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings have been issued across much of eastern, southeastern, southwestern, and western France and parts of northern France. Orange rough sea warnings are in place for much of the Mediterranean coastline Oct. 20, including southern Corsica, and yellow rough sea warnings are in place for parts of the southern coastline and across the northwestern and western coastline.

As of Oct. 19, officials have issued the following warnings across Italy:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia, Giulia, Liguria, and Tuscany regions.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Liguria and Tuscany regions.

• Yellow rainfall warnings: Veneto Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna Region.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Umbria regions.

MeteoSwiss has issued orange heavy rainfall warnings across southern and southeastern regions Oct. 20. Yellow heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for parts of western Switzerland Oct. 19-20 and parts of southern and south-central Switzerland Oct. 20. Yellow strong wind warnings are in place across central, eastern, and southeastern regions through early Oct. 21.

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

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.

The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.

Advice

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

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Meteo France
Servizio Meteorologico Aeronautica Militare
MeteoSwiss