Italy: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least Aug. 28

Severe weather is forecast across northern Italy through at least Aug. 28. Storms may be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of early Aug. 27, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Lombardy and Piedmont regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: the rest of the affected area.

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

The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across the affected areas. 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

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, landslides, or strong winds 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. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see 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.