Italy: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Sept. 20 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast to continue across much of Italy through at least Sept. 20. A weather system moving over the country is expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the coming days; strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. The heaviest rainfall is expected in Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions Sept. 18. The severe weather is likely to begin to ease from Sept. 19, but may linger in some central and southern regions Sept. 20. Heavy downpours could lead to flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of Sept. 17, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Abruzzo Region.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Marche, and Veneto regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Puglia, Tuscany, and Umbria regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Molise, Sardinia, Sicily, and Tuscany regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Tuscany Region.

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 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.