On April 17, 2025, heavy rainfall across northern Italy and southern Switzerland has led to widespread disruptions, prompting authorities to close several roads and railways, including a major highway. The situation has escalated to the issuance of a code red weather warning, indicating severe weather conditions that pose significant risks to public safety.
Authorities are particularly concerned about strong gusts of wind, potential floods, and landslides, as the Po River has reached its warning level. In the Swiss canton of Valais, extreme snowfall has also been reported, with local media indicating that up to more than 1.5 meters of snow may have fallen in just 24 hours.
Tourism officials in Valais have advised visitors planning to travel for the Easter weekend to avoid the region, citing hazardous conditions. Numerous roads and railways have become impassable, including the famous railway line to Zermatt, which is currently blocked by snow. Many villages have also lost power, exacerbating the situation for residents.
Train services on the Simplon line, a key connection between Italy and Switzerland, were canceled due to flooding on the tracks, further stranding travelers. The Great St. Bernard Tunnel has also been closed due to heavy snow accumulation, and the local government in Pinerolo, a city located about 60 kilometers from Turin, has advised residents to remain indoors. Two bridges in Pinerolo were shut down as a precaution because a river threatened to overflow its banks.
According to Weeronline, some areas may receive more than 400 millimeters of rain, with the heaviest precipitation expected in the southern and southwestern parts of Ticino, Liguria, and from South Tyrol to Venice. The weather service has warned that the combination of heavy rainfall and snowmelt could lead to further flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions where the terrain is steep and unstable.
In addition to the red weather warning for rain in Piedmont, an orange warning for thunderstorms is also in place. Several other regions in northern Italy and southern Switzerland are under an orange warning due to the forecasted precipitation. The conditions have created a heightened risk of avalanches, particularly in the Alps, where heavy snowfall is anticipated.
As the storm system continues to develop, meteorologists are monitoring the situation closely. The powerful depression situated above the Mediterranean is funneling moist air into the Alpine region, resulting in intense showers that have already caused significant disruptions. The storm has also generated stormy waves, with heights expected to reach up to three meters along the Italian coasts in the Mediterranean.
Residents and travelers alike have been urged to exercise caution and stay updated on weather conditions as the situation evolves. The local authorities are working to address the challenges posed by the severe weather, but the impact on infrastructure and public safety remains a top priority.
As of now, the weather forecast indicates that heavy rainfall will persist in the coming hours, particularly in northern Italy and the Apulia region in the south. This spring has already seen several Italian regions affected by thunderstorms, leading to fatalities in some areas. The current weather events serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by extreme weather conditions and the importance of preparedness.
In light of these developments, travelers planning to visit the affected regions are advised to reconsider their plans and stay informed about local advisories. The situation is dynamic, and authorities are taking necessary precautions to ensure public safety amidst the ongoing weather challenges.
