Italy in the grip of thunderstorms, hail and storm surges: there is a weather alert in nine regions, the areas most at risk

After days of stable weather, Italy suddenly finds itself having to deal with a new disturbance which, rising from the western Mediterranean, is crossing the peninsula, bringing with it widespread rain, intense thunderstorms and gusts of wind.

The Department of Civil Protection has issued a yellow alert for April 13, reporting possible critical issues related to hydrogeological and hydraulic risk. The worsening has already started to affect the North-West on Sunday evening, and then quickly spread to the Centre.

Lazio and Viterbo are among the most exposed areas

Particular attention is paid to Lazio, especially in the northern sectors. Scattered to widespread rainfall is expected in Viterbo and its province, with phenomena also of a thunderstorm nature. Conditions could include heavy showers, local hail and frequent electrical activity, accompanied by sustained winds. The alert concerns in particular the northern coastal basins and the middle Tiber, where the already saturated ground increases the risk of critical issues. Even in Rome the sky is overcast, with light but persistent rain and strong gusts of wind from the southern quadrants.

The regions involved: an Italy in the rain

The yellow alert is not limited to Lazio, but is extended to a large number of regions: Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Molise, Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria and Valle d’Aosta, as well as Lazio. In the North, Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta are among the most affected areas, with intense showers and even persistent thunderstorms. Even snow at high altitude returns to the Alps.

In Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, however, widespread rainfall and locally thunderstorms are expected, especially in the plains and hilly areas. In the Centre, in addition to Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria will also be affected by significant rainfall, with possible critical issues in the river basins. In Abruzzo and Molise, the alert concerns both storms and hydrogeological risk, with particular attention to internal areas.

Strong winds and rough seas in the South

If the heart of the disturbance is concentrated in the Centre-North, the South is not immune. Strong or stormy winds are affecting Sicily and Calabria, with extension towards Campania, Basilicata and Puglia. The gusts could cause storm surges along exposed coasts, making conditions for navigation and maritime activities more difficult. The authorities urge maximum caution, especially in areas already subject to critical issues. The main risk remains that linked to flooding, landslides and rising watercourses, aggravated by the saturation of the land.

A brief but intense worsening

According to experts, the most critical phase will be concentrated between Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th April. Precipitation will often be intermittent but may be locally very intense, especially during thunderstorms. The improvement is expected from mid-week, when the return of sunny spells will bring more stable conditions and temperatures around 20-21 degrees in many cities in the Centre.

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