29 Oct 2021 | 05:58 AM UTC
Italy, Malta: Adverse weather due to Storm Apollo forecast across portions of southern Italy and Malta through Oct. 31 /update 3
Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and flooding forecast across portions of southern Italy and Malta through Oct. 31. Disruptions ongoing.
Event
Rounds of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding due to Storm Apollo are forecast to occur in portions of southern Italy and Malta through at least Oct. 31.
As of early Oct. 29, authorities have issued the following warnings:
Red-level thunderstorm, strong wind, and heavy rain warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale): Calabria and Sicily regions in Italy
Orange-level heavy rain, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Apulia, Campania, and Sardinia regions in Italy as well as Malta
Yellow-level heavy rain, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings: Basilicata Region in Italy
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming day.
In Italy, two people died in Scordia Comune in the Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily Region, when their car was swept away by floodwaters. Flooding also killed two other people in the town of Gravina, north of Catania, Sicily Region. The pediatric emergency room of the Garibaldi Hospital in Catania, Sicily Region, also flooded. At least 80 people were evacuated from Crotone City, Calabria Region, as a precaution due to the risk of a local stream overflowing.
Hazardous Conditions
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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides cannot be discounted in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, flooding, or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Airlines have canceled or diverted dozens of flights from Italy's Sicily Region, mostly from the Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) and Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO), since Oct. 26 although the airports remain operational. Ferries between the southern islands of Italy have been canceled. The A-18 motorway connecting the cities of Messina and Catania was closed between the Tremestieri and Roccalumera junctions due to a landslide near Scaletta Zanclea Town since Oct. 25. The Catania lane of the A-18 is scheduled to reopen the morning of Oct. 29 after clean-up and repair works are completed.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
