20 Jan 2023 | 12:06 PM UTC
Italy: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 23 /update 3
Severe weather forecast across much of Italy through at least Jan. 23. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Heavy snowfall, rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across much of Italy through at least Jan. 23. A low-pressure system is expected to bring rainfall and snowfall at higher elevations to Sardinia, Sicily, and mainland Italy from the south northwards to Emilia-Romagna Region Jan. 20-22. Strong winds and a drop in temperature are also expected over affected regions due to the impact of the weather system. Weather conditions in the north of Italy will remain largely calm until Jan. 23, when heavy rainfall and snowfall over mountainous areas are forecast.
As of Jan. 20, officials have issued the following weather warnings across the affected regions:
Red snowfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Abruzzo, Marche, and Molise regions.
Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Campania and Lazio regions.
Orange thunderstorm warnings: Campania Region.
Orange strong wind warnings: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Marche, Molise, Puglia, Sicily, and Tuscany regions.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Basilicata, Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Basilicata and Calabria regions.
Yellow snowfall warnings: Basilicata, Calabria, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, and Sardinia regions.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Umbria, and Veneto regions.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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 and 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 higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather will likely cause delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
