Italy, Austria: Severe storm to bring adverse weather to the northern Italy and southern Austria through at least Nov. 3

Adverse weather is forecast to affect northern regions of Italy and southern Austria through at least Nov. 3. The worst of the severe weather is expected at higher elevations in the Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Liguria regions. Authorities in Veneto predict the heaviest wind and rain will occur in north-central parts of the region through late Nov. 1. Very heavy rains and strong winds are forecast across much of the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino regions, with weaker rain and wind forecast for Trieste. Heavy rain is forecast for the northern parts of Emilia-Romagna, northern Lombardy, eastern Liguria, and the Massa-Carrara area of Tuscany. Heavy rains will also cross into Austria's southern regions of Carinthia and Tirol.

As of Nov. 1, local authorities have issued the following warnings:

• Red rain warning and red wind warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Veneto until 23:59 Nov. 1; Friuli Venezia Giulia excluding Trieste 12:00 Nov. 2 - 11:59 Nov. 3.

• Orange rain warning and orange wind warning: Trieste 12:00 Nov. 2 - 11:59 Nov. 3; Trentino 08:00-23:59 Nov. 2.

• Orange flooding warning: Emilia-Romagna 00:01-23:59 Nov. 2.

• Orange rain warning: Northern regions of Lombardy from approximately 06:00 Nov. 2; eastern regions of Liguria from 08:00 Nov. 2; Massa-Carrara, Tuscany, Nov. 2; parts of southern and western Carinthia and southern Tirol, Austria, Nov. 2-3.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; further freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.