Italy, Croatia: Adverse weather forecast across much of Italy and western Croatia through at least Feb. 26

Strong winds forecast across Italy and western Croatia through at least Feb. 26. Possible disruptions to transport, business, and utilities.

Event

Strong winds, heavy snowfall, and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of western, central, and northern Italy and western Croatia through at least Feb.26. The strongest winds are forecast along the west coast of Croatia, where maximum wind gusts could reach 130 kph (81 mph). Heavy snowfall is forecast in higher elevated areas of Abruzzo Region, Italy, and to a lesser extent in Marche Region.

As of Feb. 25, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

Red wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Kvarner i Kvarneric, Middle, North, and South Dalmatia, and Velebit Channel regions in Croatia.
Orange snow/ice warnings: Abruzzo Region in Italy.
Orange wind warnings: Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Sardinia, Tuscany, and Umbria regions in Italy; Rijecka and Split regions in Croatia.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Abruzzo, Campania, and Emilia-Romagna regions in Italy.
Yellow wind warnings: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto regions in Italy; Dubrovnik, Knin, and West Istrian coast regions in Croatia.
Yellow snow/ice warning: Marche Region in Italy.

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

Hazardous Conditions

The strong winds will lead to rough sea conditions and flooding is possible in coastal areas. Flying debris and fallen trees could cause damage to infrastructure and may block traffic routes. Power outages are possible throughout the affected area as strong winds may down power lines.

Thunderstorms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in affected areas. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Ferry services may be suspended and coastal roads could be made impassable by flooding. Hazardous weather conditions could cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region.

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 in affected areas. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.