Italy: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least Oct. 31

Severe weather is forecast across northern Italy through at least Oct. 31. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. As of early Oct. 30, officials have issued the following weather warnings:

• Red heavy rain warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Liguria and Tuscany regions.

• Orange heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, and Veneto regions

• Yellow heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings: the rest of the affected area.

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 rain 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 adverse weather may cause 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.