Italy: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Sept. 20 /update 2

Evacuations and other flood-related disruptions are ongoing across Emilia-Romgana and other parts of central Italy amid severe weather that is forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Sept. 20.

Heavy rainfall overnight Sept. 18-19 has led to flooded rivers in parts of provinces in Emilia-Romagna, with Bologna and Ravenna provinces the worst affected. Authorities have evacuated around 800 people in Ravenna Province and 200 in Bologna Province due to the flooding. Dozens of landslides have been reported in Bologna Province. Train services have been severely affected in the region; services on at least five lines have been suspended and services are limited or being rerouted on several other lines. Schools closed across the affected areas. Flooding and landslides have also blocked several roads in Marche Region, with parts of Ancona Province amongst the worst affected areas.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across over much of the country Sept. 19, and could exacerbate the flood situation in affected areas. Conditions are expected to gradullay begin to improve Sept. 20; however, some residual rainfall is likely in central and southern regions. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could lead to additional flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of Sept. 19, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche regions.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Liguria Region.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Liguria, Lombardy, Molise, Piedmont, Puglia, and Tuscany regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Abruzzo, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Molise, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Umbria regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto 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.