Italy: Adverse weather forecast across southern and western regions through at least Dec. 15

Severe weather is forecast across much of southern and western Italy through at least Dec. 15. A weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the affected area over the coming days. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

Officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country Dec. 12-14:

Dec. 12

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Sardinia Region.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Sicily Region.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Sardinia Region.

Dec. 13

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Campania Region.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Basilicata, Lazio, Molise, Puglia, Sicily, and Tuscany regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Campania and Liguria regions.

Dec. 14

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Campania Region.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Basilicata, Calabria, Lazio, Puglia, Sardinia, and Umbria regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Basilicata, Calabria, Lazio, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily, and Umbria regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Sardinia Region.

Officials could 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.