Italy is bracing for severe weather as the Civil Protection Department has issued a yellow weather alert for rain and thunderstorms across various regions, particularly affecting the northeastern parts of the country. The alert, which is in place for May 8, 2025, comes in response to a series of intense weather phenomena that have already begun to unfold.
According to reports published on May 7, 2025, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to persist throughout the evening, with the worst conditions likely to hit the northeastern regions, where intense weather phenomena are anticipated. Some residual showers of weak to moderate intensity may continue to impact parts of the central and northwestern areas of Italy.
"A perturbed Atlantic flow will fuel bad weather in the northeast during the early hours of the night, with widespread and locally intense rain and thunderstorms expected," the Civil Protection bulletin stated. This situation will continue into the afternoon of May 8, when new showers and thunderstorms are predicted to develop over the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Alpine sector.
The Civil Protection has detailed that scattered showers, including thundershowers, will affect regions such as Valle d’Aosta, central-northern Piedmont, Lombardy, Triveneto, and coastal areas of central-southern Tuscany. Isolated to scattered showers are also expected over the rest of the North and Tuscany, as well as in Marche, Umbria, the inland areas of northern Lazio, and parts of Abruzzo and Sicily.
In light of the predicted severe weather, the Civil Protection has issued a yellow alert for hydraulic risk in Tuscany, specifically in areas such as Etruria and the coastal regions. Furthermore, a yellow alert for thunderstorm risk has been declared for Emilia Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto. Experts warn of the potential for heavy rainfall, which could lead to significant accumulations in certain areas, with estimates ranging from 15 to 20 mm and peaks reaching up to 40-50 mm.
In Romagna, the unstable weather phase continues, prompting the Civil Protection to extend the yellow weather alert for thunderstorms in the hinterland. The afternoon hours of May 8 are expected to be particularly conducive to the development of strong thunderstorms, especially in the Apennine strip, with possible effects and associated damage. There is also a risk of occasional runoff and landslides in the mountainous and hilly areas affected by these storms.
As the Civil Protection bulletin highlights, the cumulative rainfall expected on May 8 indicates average values between 15 and 20 mm in the provinces of Pisa and Livorno, with maximum hourly intensities that may reach 30-40 mm. Meanwhile, in the other areas of Tuscany, insignificant accumulations are anticipated, with maximum peaks up to 20 mm.
In addition to the yellow alert for thunderstorms, the Civil Protection has also issued warnings regarding the hydraulic risk in Tuscany, which includes potential damages to people and infrastructure from flooding or overflow of riverbanks. Specific areas at risk have been identified, emphasizing the importance of vigilance regarding possible flooding and the management of water during these intense weather events.
Moreover, the Civil Protection has noted that the current wave of bad weather continues to cause intense phenomena across the country, with forecasts indicating an intensification of thunderstorm activity, particularly in the Center-North regions. The Civil Protection has reported the likelihood of heavy rains accompanied by gusts of wind and hail, especially in mountainous and hilly areas.
The regions most affected by the yellow alert include Emilia Romagna, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Veneto, all of which are expected to experience significant increases in precipitation, potentially surpassing seasonal averages. The Civil Protection has urged residents in these areas to remain alert and follow updates from local authorities to ensure their safety.
As the storm system approaches, residents are advised to take precautions and stay informed about the evolving weather situation. The Civil Protection emphasizes the need for caution, particularly in areas identified in the weather alert, as the risk of flash floods and landslides could pose serious threats to safety.
In the coming days, conditions of variability are expected to persist, with cloudiness associated with local showers, especially over elevated terrains. The meteorological service has indicated a tendency for these phenomena to intensify early next week, particularly on Monday and Tuesday.
As Italy prepares for what could be a tumultuous weather period, the Civil Protection's alerts serve as a crucial reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of severe weather events. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the forecasts and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.
