Italy: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least April 23

Adverse weather is forecast across northern Italy through at least April 23. Heavy snow is expected across southern Piedmont and western Emilia Romagna regions at altitudes above 300-400 meters (984-1,312 feet). As of early April 22, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange snow and ice warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont regions

• Orange wind warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto regions

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: Liguria and Veneto regions

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Tuscany, Umbria, and Veneto regions

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Tuscany, and Veneto regions

Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Over the coming days, precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations of northern Italy. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow, and decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides are possible in areas of elevated terrain, and avalanches are possible in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow may make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

Disruptive weather could cause delays and cancellations at airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding/snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.