As Italy braces for severe weather, the Department of Civil Protection has issued multiple alerts across various regions, particularly highlighting the North, where adverse conditions are expected to wreak havoc. Starting from April 17, 2025, widespread precipitation, strong winds, and the risk of landslides and flooding will challenge local authorities and residents alike.
The weather disturbance, which began on April 16, is characterized by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms that have already led to evacuations and infrastructure disruptions. In Piedmont, for instance, approximately 30 residents were evacuated from their homes following two significant landslides caused by relentless rains in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area. The situation escalated to the point where train services between Varzo and Domodossola were suspended, and two bridges in Pinerolo were closed due to rising waters.
By the early hours of April 17, the Civil Protection anticipates scattered to widespread precipitation across regions like Friuli Venezia Giulia and Liguria, with forecasts predicting heavy downpours, electrical activity, and local hailstorms. The winds are expected to be strong, with gusts reaching gale force in many areas, particularly in Piedmont and Lombardy. This has led to a red alert for hydrogeological risk in parts of Piedmont, while an orange alert is in effect for Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy, and Sardinia. A yellow alert has also been issued for several other regions, including Lazio and Emilia-Romagna.
As the weather system moves eastward, it poses a significant threat to travel plans, particularly with the Easter holidays approaching. The Anas, Italy's road management agency, estimates that around 10 million travelers will be on the move, making the timing of this weather event particularly troublesome. To mitigate traffic disruptions, Anas has removed over 1,000 construction sites from the roads, which is about 80% of the total planned works.
However, the heavy rains have already caused significant issues. In the Biella region, emergency services have been actively responding to incidents involving fallen trees and flooding. For instance, a woman was injured when a tree fell on her vehicle in Tollegno, and multiple rescue operations were conducted to assist individuals trapped by rising waters.
The Civil Protection has advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in affected areas. The agency has also coordinated with local authorities to monitor river levels closely, especially in Turin, where an orange alert has been issued for hydrogeological risk. The monitoring will extend across all areas along the rivers, including the Po, which is expected to rise significantly.
In Valle d'Aosta, local officials have reported rockfalls and flooding of secondary streams, prompting a meeting of the regional Civil Protection to assess the situation. The risk of avalanches has also increased, with alerts indicating a level 4 risk on a scale of 5, particularly in the mountainous areas.
Looking ahead, a deep cyclone is predicted to form over the Ligurian Sea, bringing further heavy rains and strong winds to the North. This cyclone will contribute to storm surges along the coasts, especially in Tuscany, where an orange alert has been issued. The situation is compounded by the expected arrival of a new weather disturbance around Easter, which may bring additional rain to the already saturated regions.
In light of these developments, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed through the Civil Protection's website, where updated alerts and safety guidelines are available. The agency is committed to providing timely information as the weather evolves, ensuring that communities are prepared for the challenges ahead.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing damage. With the combination of heavy rains, strong winds, and the potential for flooding and landslides, the coming days will test the resilience of communities across northern Italy.
