Italy: Adverse weather forecast across northern and central regions through at least July 22

Severe weather is forecast across northern and central Italy through at least July 22. Showers and isolated storms are expected over northern regions overnight July 19-20. More intense thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are expected to move west to east across northern Italy on July 21, with showers and isolated storms spreading to central regions. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could lead to flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

Officials have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area over the coming days:

July 19

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto regions.

July 20

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto regions.

July 21

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino Alto Adige, Valle d'Aosta, and Veneto region.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Lombardy Region.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Liguria, Trentino Alto Adige, Tuscany, and Veneto 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 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. Disruptive 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.