A low-pressure system sweeping across Italy has brought heavy rain, strong winds and heavy snow to large parts of the country, with the worst conditions reported in the north-west and further storms forecast for the south.
The unstable weather comes as Italy approaches the spring season but continues to experience conditions more typical of winter, particularly across northern regions.
The areas most heavily affected in recent hours have been Liguria and Piedmont, where intense rainfall has been recorded. Meteorologists say that once the system clears, cumulative rainfall totals could reach between 150 and 200 millimetres in some locations.
The storm is being driven by strong sirocco winds blowing northwards from the Mediterranean, with gusts in some areas reaching gale force.
Heavy snowfall has also been reported across the Western Alps. Forecasters say that more than one metre of fresh snow could accumulate above altitudes of around 1,200 to 1,400 metres by the evening, with totals of up to 150 centimetres possible above 1,800 to 2,000 metres.
Snow has also fallen heavily in the Dolomites above around 1,300 metres.
Flooding and landslides in the north-west
The severe weather has already caused disruption in several areas. In Liguria, minor flooding and landslides have been reported in the provinces of Genoa, Imperia and Savona. In the Genoa district of Sestri Ponente, a large fallen tree blocked a road, though no injuries were reported.
Firefighters and municipal technicians have responded to multiple incidents across the region.
Heavy snow is also causing problems in parts of Piedmont, particularly around the province of Biella. Several provincial roads in the Valdilana and Valle Cervo areas have become impassable due to avalanches and debris.
Authorities are also considering the possible evacuation of guests from some hotels in affected mountain areas. At the Bielmonte Ski Resort, ski lifts remain closed because of the weather.
In the northern province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, several towns have been temporarily isolated and problems with electricity supply and mobile phone networks have been reported. Firefighters have carried out more than 90 emergency interventions.
In the town of Cannobio, the hamlet of Solivo has been cut off, while several roads remain closed due to the risk of avalanches.
Storms expected in the south
As the weather system moves southwards, it is bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to southern Italy.
The regions most exposed to the unstable conditions are Calabria and Sicily, where Italy’s Civil Protection Department has issued an orange weather alert. Severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong wind gusts and possible hail are forecast in the coming days.
In Catania, the mayor has ordered the precautionary closure of schools and city parks on Monday. Meteorologists say the passage of the low-pressure system will also bring colder air across the country at the start of the week, leading to a general drop in temperatures across the peninsula.
The unsettled conditions are expected to continue for several more days.
