Italy: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Sept. 10 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast to continue across much of Italy through at least Sept. 10. Successive weather systems have brought heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to many parts of the country over recent days. Severe storms Sept. 5 caused flooding, landslides, and damage across parts of Italy as many rivers reached dangerously high levels. Northern regions were worst affected, including parts of Piedmont where dozens of people were stranded due to damage to bridges and flooded roads. Generally calmer conditions are expected in most areas Sept. 6-7, with a few isolated showers and storms possible in places, before another weather disturbance brings further adverse weather across much of the country from Sept, 8 through at least early Sept. 10. 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 country Sept. 6-7:

Sept. 6

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily regions.

Sept. 7

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Liguria and Tuscany regions.

Sept. 8

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Aosta Valley Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Marche, Sardinia, and Umbria regions.

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.