Italy: Adverse weather forecast across north-central, northern, and western regions through at least Oct. 27 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast across north-central, northern, and western Italy through at least Oct. 27. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across north-central and northwestern regions over the coming days, with more intermittent rainfall likely over other parts of northern Italy. Strong winds are also likely in Sicily, and showers and storms are likely over Sardinia. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

Officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country Oct. 25-27:

Oct. 25

• Red heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Liguria Region

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Tuscany region

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Emilia-Romagna and Umbria regions

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Marche, Saridnia, and Umbria regions

Oct. 26

• Red heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Liguria Region

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Piedmont, Sardinia, and Tuscany regions

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Sardinia and Tuscany regions

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Aosta Valley, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy regions

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto regions

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Liguria, Piedmont, and Sardinia regions

Oct. 27

• Red heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Liguria Region

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Piedmont and Sardinia regions

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Sardinia region

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Aosta Valley, Lombardy, and Tuscany regions

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Veneto regions

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Liguria, Piedmont, Sardinia, and Sicily regions

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