Severe weather alerts are in effect across central and northern Italy as a tropical-like cyclone continues to wreak havoc on the region. On April 17, 2025, torrential rains have already caused significant disruption, with forecasts predicting additional intense rainfall and winds exceeding 100 km/h throughout the day.
According to Andrea Garbinato from ilmeteo.it, the cyclone, described as a "mini hurricane," is moving from Corsica towards the Ligurian Sea and then towards Tuscany. "After the severe weather of the last 24 hours, particularly affecting Sardinia and the Northwest, more torrential rain is expected today," he warned. Rainfall amounts are staggering, with predictions of over 150 mm in Piedmont alone, alongside heavy showers anticipated in Liguria, Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy, and Tuscany.
Specific rainfall estimates for April 17 indicate that Biella could see as much as 160 mm, Aosta 150 mm, Turin 100 mm, Cuneo 90 mm, and Genoa and Massa Carrara 50 mm. Garbinato likened the situation to tropical rain patterns, stating, "It will rain like in the tropics when the rainy season arrives." This deluge has prompted a red alert for severe weather in parts of Piedmont, particularly in the valleys of Sesia, Cervo, Chiusella, Orco, Lanzo, Sangone, and lower Valsusa, situated between Vercellese and Turin.
Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for the upper Valsusa, Chisone, Pellice, Po, and Tanaro valleys, as well as the northern, Turin, and Cuneo plains. A yellow alert is in place for the Varaita, Belbo, Bormida, and Scrivia valleys in southern Piedmont. As of the morning of April 17, heavy rain is expected to persist until approximately 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, after which a significant decrease in intensity is anticipated.
The situation in Piedmont has escalated, with 150 people evacuated from Borgosesia (Vercelli) and another 40 from Villadossola (Verbano-Cusio-Ossola) due to the severe weather conditions. Since midnight on April 16, firefighters have conducted over 300 rescue operations throughout the region, particularly in the provinces of Turin, Biella, and Verbania Cusio Ossola.
In Biella, the local train station was closed on the morning of April 17, leading to the cancellation of all trains to Santhià and Novara. Trenitalia has implemented replacement bus services to accommodate stranded travelers. The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is among the hardest hit, with numerous interventions by firefighters overnight due to landslides, flooding, and other weather-related incidents. Areas such as Bannio, Anzino, and Calasca Castiglione have reported significant damage.
As for the rivers, the risk of flooding is acute, with over 100 municipalities in Piedmont under a red alert due to overflowing rivers. The latest updates from Arpa (Agenzia regionale per la protezione ambientale) indicate widespread adverse weather conditions, with moderate to heavy precipitation expected. In the last six hours, rainfall totals reached 155 mm in Pian Audi (Turin), 117 mm in Boccioleto (Vercelli), and 116 mm in Camparient (Biella).
The Toce River has surpassed the alert level in Verbano, while Lake Maggiore is rising but remains below the alert threshold. In Turin, the Stura River has also exceeded the alert threshold and is approaching dangerous levels near the Ferdinando di Savoia bridge on Corso Giulio Cesare. As a precaution, authorities have closed this infrastructure.
Looking ahead, improvements in weather conditions are expected on April 18, 2025, as the tropical-like cyclone weakens and moves towards Austria and Hungary. However, residual currents from the Libeccio may still bring scattered showers, and rough seas are anticipated. A more pronounced improvement is forecast for Saturday, April 19, when much of Italy will enjoy clearer skies, although another disturbance from the Atlantic is expected to disrupt the Easter holidays in central and northern Italy.
Specifically, on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (April 20-21), new rain is expected, though the southern regions will likely see predominantly sunny conditions. Winds are also predicted to cause significant storms, with gusts exceeding 100 km/h, particularly in Puglia and Calabria, as well as throughout the Po Valley.
Meanwhile, in Valle d'Aosta, half of the region has been left without electricity due to the severe weather, affecting 37 out of 74 municipalities. The situation is compounded by fallen trees and damage to high-voltage lines, complicating restoration efforts. Further south, the Faito cable car lost contact with its cabin, which was reportedly carrying 3 or 4 passengers and an operator. Rescuers have faced difficulties reaching the site due to poor visibility and weather conditions.
Tragically, the severe weather has already claimed a life. A 92-year-old man was found dead in Monteu da Po, near Piazza Bava, after becoming trapped in his home due to flooding. This incident highlights the critical impact of the ongoing weather crisis.
In Lombardy, a yellow weather alert for hydrogeological and hydraulic risks remains in effect until April 18, with parks in Milan closed as a precaution. The Milan fire brigade has responded to 120 incidents overnight, with another 30 interventions reported on the morning of April 17, addressing fallen trees, hazardous structures, and blocked roadways.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further weather-related challenges in the coming days. With Easter approaching, the potential for additional storms and flooding raises concerns for both residents and travelers alike.
