Severe weather has been wreaking havoc across Italy, particularly in the northern regions, as torrential rains, landslides, and unexpected snowfall disrupt daily life and threaten safety. As the country prepares for the Easter holiday, authorities have issued red alerts in numerous municipalities, warning of potentially life-threatening conditions.
On April 17, 2025, thick snowflakes fell in Aosta, Italy, where the region is experiencing extreme weather patterns, including heavy rainfall and snowfall. This unusual mix has led to rising water levels in popular tourist areas, prompting urgent warnings from local officials. Meteorologists predict that over the next 48 hours, approximately 400 millimeters of rain could fall in some areas, equivalent to 400 liters per square meter, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In the province of Vercelli, the Sesia River reached a dangerous level of 7.49 meters around 3:00 AM, significantly above the danger threshold, and as of the morning, it remained at 6.57 meters. The emergency services have been stretched thin, conducting over 300 rescue operations since the onset of the severe weather on April 16. Among the most urgent situations, 250 passengers were stranded on a train in Sandigliano due to flooding on the tracks, necessitating a swift evacuation.
In addition to the train disruptions, the A5 highway between Turin and Aosta has been closed due to heavy rainfall, and several roads have been blocked by landslides. The municipalities of Villadossola and Beura Cardezza were partially evacuated as a precaution, affecting around 30 people. The mayor of Casale Monferrato has also prepared for the evacuation of the Terranova hamlet as river levels continue to rise.
The situation is particularly critical in the Piemont region, where the local government has advised residents to stay indoors as the risk of flooding and landslides remains high. In the town of Boccassuolo, a landslide has effectively split the community in two, isolating many families. "The situation is dramatic," said Fabio Braglia, the provincial president of Modena. "We are seeking assistance from higher authorities to manage this crisis effectively."
As the storm continues to unfold, meteorologists have described the weather pattern as exceptionally disturbed, with warm air masses from Africa contributing to the moisture-laden conditions. This has led to intense rainfall and snow accumulation, with some areas in the Alps expected to see up to 1.5 meters of new snow.
Travelers planning to visit Italy during the Easter holiday are being urged to reconsider their plans. Meteorologist Dominik Jung warns that the situation could escalate further, and he advises campers and those in flood-prone areas to leave early if in doubt. "In case of severe weather, it’s better to err on the side of caution," he stated.
In addition to the flooding and landslides, the authorities are also preparing for the potential of severe thunderstorms and strong winds. Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are possible in the lowlands of Lombardy, while stormy seas with waves reaching up to three meters are expected along the Italian coasts.
On a broader scale, the national civil protection agency has issued warnings for several regions, including Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Tuscany, where heavy rain is anticipated to continue. The situation has been compounded by the fact that many areas, including popular tourist destinations like South Tyrol and the Dolomites, are experiencing severe weather, which could deter holiday travelers.
In Switzerland, the weather has also caused significant disruptions, with heavy snowfall and rain leading to road closures and power outages. The ski resort of Zermatt has been cut off from the outside world, and numerous roads and railway lines in the canton of Wallis have been closed due to the adverse weather conditions.
As the severe weather continues to unfold, many regions are bracing for the worst. The authorities are urging residents and travelers alike to remain vigilant and heed the warnings issued by meteorological services. As the situation develops, updates will be provided to ensure public safety and preparedness.
In summary, Italy is currently grappling with one of the worst weather events in recent months, with heavy rains, landslides, and unexpected snowfall causing widespread disruption. The authorities are actively responding to the crisis, and residents are advised to stay informed and safe as the weather continues to pose significant challenges.
