by InTrieste
Severe weather continued to affect much of northeastern Italy on Wednesday, prompting the regional Civil Protection agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia to issue a yellow weather alert through noon on Thursday, February 5. The alert applies to the entire region except for the Trieste area.
Forecasters expect widespread and at times heavy precipitation throughout Wednesday and into Thursday morning, with the most intense rainfall predicted in the Carnic Prealps. Significant snowfall is also expected, with snow levels fluctuating around 1,000 meters. In more sheltered inland valleys, snow is forecast at lower elevations, while higher snow lines are anticipated over the southern Prealps. In the Tarvisio area, snow is expected to reach valley floors.
At higher elevations, fresh snow accumulations are forecast to be substantial, particularly in the Piancavallo area. At lower altitudes, snowfall is expected to be wetter and heavier. Along the coast, authorities have warned of possible high tides during the night between Wednesday and Thursday.
The regional avalanche bulletin has also been updated. Across the mountainous areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the avalanche danger ranges from “marked” (Level 3) to “high” (Level 4). According to the bulletin, recent heavy snowfall combined with wind has increased both the number and size of hazardous zones, leaving the snowpack generally unstable. Spontaneous avalanches are possible in many areas, and some may involve deeper layers of snow, potentially reaching very large dimensions. Wet snow avalanches are also possible as precipitation continues.
Authorities strongly advise against mountain excursions during this period.
