24 Oct 2023 | 07:47 AM UTC
Italy: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Oct. 27 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across much of Italy through at least Oct. 27. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of Italy through at least Oct. 27. Successive weather systems are expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across most of the country over the coming days, with the most severe weather likely in northern and central regions. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages in the affected regions.
As of Oct. 24, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Liguria, Lombardy, and Tuscany regions.
Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Veneto regions.
Orange strong wind warnings: Abruzzo, Marche, Sardinia, Tuscany, and Umbria regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Marche, Piedmont, Sardinia, Umbria, and Veneto regions.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Trentino Alto Adige, and Umbria regions.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Molise, Piedmont, and Puglia regions.
Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts 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.
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.
