Italy: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Sept. 25

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. 25.

Heavy rainfall overnight Sept. 18-19 has led to flooded rivers in parts of Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions; authorities have declared a state of emergency. Bologna and Ravenna provinces in Emilia-Romagna region are the worst affected; more than 2,500 people were under evacuation orders at the height of the flooding. As of early Sept. 23, some have returned home but more than 1,200 people remain evacuated. The breaches along the banks of the Idice, Lamone, and Senio rivers are closed. Reports indicate dozens of landslides in Bologna Province. Restoration efforts in Bagnacavallo Commune are ongoing. Train services were severely affected in the region. Authorities suspended, limited, or rerouted train services on several lines, though most have since resumed. Schools are closed across the affected areas; some are scheduled to reopen Sept. 23. The hospital in Lugo Commune, Ravenna Province, will resume normal operations Sept. 23. 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 through Sept. 25 and could exacerbate the flood situation in affected areas. Conditions will probably begin to gradually improve Sept. 26; however, some residual rainfall is likely. 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 early Sept. 23, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Veneto regions Sept. 23; Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Veneto regions Sept. 24; and Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Sept. 25.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: most of the rest of Italy Sept. 23-24; and northeastern and southeastern Italy Sept. 25.

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

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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.