by InTrieste
Italy’s Civil Protection Department has issued a new round of weather warnings across much of the country, citing a rapidly deteriorating atmospheric situation expected to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours. Thirteen regions are now under alert, including Friuli Venezia Giulia, as authorities brace for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.
For Friuli Venezia Giulia, the department has declared a yellow-level warning — the lowest on Italy’s three-tier alert system but one that nonetheless signals potentially hazardous conditions. Meteorologists forecast periods of intense rain and localized thunderstorms, raising concerns about flooding in urban areas and along smaller waterways, as well as possible landslides in more vulnerable hilly zones.
Regional officials have urged residents to remain cautious, particularly when traveling, and to monitor official communications from civil protection agencies. The warning comes as parts of northeastern Italy have already experienced unsettled weather in recent days, leaving soil conditions less able to absorb additional rainfall.
Nationwide, the most serious concerns are concentrated further south. Orange-level alerts, indicating a moderate risk, have been issued for southern Lazio — including areas around Rome — and Calabria. In those regions, forecasts point to torrential downpours, strong thunderstorms with possible hail, and gale-force winds capable of disrupting infrastructure and coastal activities.
In Calabria, the anticipated severity of the weather has led several mayors, including in the city of Lamezia Terme, to order school closures for Friday, February 6, citing safety concerns for students and staff. Local authorities have emphasized a precautionary approach as emergency services remain on high alert.
Elsewhere, yellow warnings have been extended across a broad swath of central, southern and northern Italy. Alongside Friuli Venezia Giulia, the affected regions include Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Sicily and parts of Sardinia.
Civil protection officials have noted that the current instability is particularly concerning because it follows closely on the heels of Cyclone Harry, a powerful Mediterranean storm that struck southern Italy between January 18 and 22. In many areas, including parts of the north, ground conditions remain saturated, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding and river overflows.
Last week, the Italian government declared a national state of emergency for Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria to speed up recovery efforts from the cyclone’s aftermath. In the Sicilian town of Niscemi alone, some 1,500 residents were evacuated after a massive landslide, underscoring the lingering vulnerability of affected communities.
Meteorologists described Cyclone Harry as one of the most violent storms to hit the Mediterranean in decades, a characterization that has heightened concern as the new weather system moves across the peninsula.
For Friuli Venezia Giulia, officials stress that while the current alert level does not indicate extreme danger, vigilance remains essential. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, secure loose objects outdoors and stay informed through official regional and national civil protection channels as the situation evolves.
