Severe weather has once again struck the Northwest territories of Italy, coinciding with the onset of Easter holiday travel. A weather disturbance is expected to bring 48 hours of torrential downpours, strong winds, and snow in the Alps, raising concerns among residents and travelers alike.
As of April 16, 2025, the situation in Piedmont has become critical, with three people evacuated due to landslides in Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, specifically in Villadossola and Beura Cardezza. Firefighters were called to rescue two Dutch nationals who found themselves isolated in the hamlet of Anzuno. Railway traffic has been suspended on the Domodossola-Milano line between Premosello-Chiovenda and Domodossola, while the route to Switzerland has also been closed between Varzo and Domodossola.
Lake Maggiore is under close observation, having reached the pre-threshold (yellow level) at Pallanza by 7:30 PM on April 16. In the Pinerolo area, traffic was halted on two bridges due to the swelling of the Lemina stream, which is nearing overflow. The A5 Torino-Aosta highway's southbound lane was closed from Quincinetto to Ivrea due to landslide risks, and firefighters rescued two individuals trapped in their vehicle due to partial flooding of the Chiusella stream in Cerone, Strambino.
The Biellese region has also suffered significant damage; the provincial road of Settimo Vittone was closed due to a landslide, and the fords on the Cervo stream in Gifflenga and Castelletto Cervo were closed as well. An accident occurred in Tollegno when a falling tree struck a passing car, injuring the female driver, who sustained a head trauma. In Occhieppo Inferiore, emergency services rescued a person trapped by the overflowing Elvo stream.
In a worrying development, a train carrying 250 passengers became stranded in Sandigliano due to flooding on the tracks. Firefighters arrived to assist passengers, including school groups returning from a field trip. Fortunately, a child who became frightened was treated by paramedics and is reported to be in good condition.
In Valle d’Aosta, rockfalls and flooding of secondary streams prompted the closure of several roads from 9 PM on April 16 to 7 AM on April 17, including regional roads 43 and 44 of Valle del Lys, and others leading to Champorcher and Cogne. The region is currently under a red alert for hydrogeological risks, with torrential rains expected to continue.
The ARPA (Regional Environmental Protection Agency) of Piedmont has issued a red alert for hydrogeological risk in the northwestern valleys for April 17, with an orange alert also in effect for possible avalanches in the Alps. The agency warns that over the next 24-36 hours, tributaries of the Po are likely to exceed alert thresholds, raising concern for potential flooding.
In the coming days, a significant increase in rainfall is anticipated, particularly in the mountainous and foothill areas of northern and western Piedmont, where more than 200-300 mm of rain could fall in just 48 hours. This level of precipitation is unprecedented for this time of year and poses a high risk of hydrogeological emergencies.
As the storm progresses, the forecast indicates that rainfall will intensify, particularly along the Alpine and pre-Alpine strip. Weather experts predict that the maximum intensity of the rain will occur overnight from April 16 to April 17, leading to possible flooding and landslides.
In addition to the rain, heavy snowfall is expected in the Alps, particularly at altitudes above 1,800-2,200 meters, with accumulations potentially exceeding 1-2 meters in some areas. This could significantly impact travel and outdoor activities during the Easter holiday.
In light of the severe weather, residents are advised to stay informed and limit travel where possible. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and emergency services are on standby to respond to any incidents.
The upcoming days will see a gradual easing of the weather conditions starting April 18, but forecasters caution that the respite may be short-lived, with further rain expected over the Easter weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday are likely to see rain, particularly in the Piedmont region, while Easter Monday may offer some clearer weather.
As the situation develops, local authorities and emergency services continue to stress the importance of safety and preparedness. Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and follow official updates regarding the weather and potential hazards.
The current weather alerts and forecasts indicate a challenging outlook for the coming days, underscoring the need for caution and readiness among the populace as they navigate the impacts of this severe weather event.
