Italy: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Nov. 23

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Italy through at least Nov. 23. A weather system moving over the Mediterranean is forecast to bring showers and localized thunderstorms across much of the country Nov. 21, with the exception of some northern regions. Conditions are expected to begin to improve in central regions Nov. 22 but will linger in far southern regions through at least Nov. 23 as the system moves southwards toward northern Africa. Strong winds, 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 Nov. 21, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Tuscany and Umbria regions

• Orange strong wind warnings: Sardinia Region

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Abruzzo and Lazio regions

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Abruzzo, Lazio, and Sicily regions

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Tuscany, and Veneto regions

Officials will likely update and possibly 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 cancelations 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.