by InTrieste
Italy is preparing for a powerful weather system dubbed the “perfect storm,” set to bring a combination of violent winds, heavy rain, and widespread snowfall from north to south. Experts warn that the storm could cause significant disruption, particularly along coastal areas and in mountainous regions.
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, Thursday, November 21, will begin with cloudy skies and scattered rain, especially in the east. Snow is expected to fall at elevations above 800-1,000 meters in the Julian Alps and Pre-Alps, while the coastline contends with moderate to strong Libeccio winds. In the Isontino and Karst regions, isolated thunderstorms could add to the morning’s tumultuous weather.
Conditions are forecast to improve by mid-afternoon, as winds shift to the north and northwest, bringing strong gusts at higher altitudes. By evening, the eastern coastline will experience a moderate to strong Bora wind, a signature weather phenomenon in the region.
However, this local turbulence is just the tip of the iceberg. Lorenzo Tedici, meteorologist for iLMeteo.it, has confirmed the arrival of a larger “perfect storm” system, a menacing mix of strong winds, frigid temperatures, and heavy precipitation. Starting Tuesday, the storm began generating enormous waves in the Ligurian Sea, with heights reaching up to 7 meters near the Versilia and Livorno coasts. Tedici warns of historic storm surges that could cause significant coastal damage.
By Thursday, a second phase of strong Libeccio winds will move southward, with waves reaching 4-5 meters. Heavy rainfall is expected to persist through Friday, particularly along the Tyrrhenian coast, from Tuscany to Calabria, with cumulative totals exceeding 150 millimeters in some areas.
Snowfall will also intensify, initially affecting the Alps at elevations above 1,000 meters before dropping to the plains in parts of Piedmont and northern Veneto by Thursday evening. Even cities like Milan may see a dusting of snow, while the Triveneto region braces for potential flurries. On Friday morning, snow could fall in the central and northern Apennines at hill-level altitudes as the storm system pushes southeast.
Authorities across Italy are urging residents to take precautions as the storm, expected to persist until Saturday, poses risks of flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to high waves and wind damage, while mountainous areas may face dangerous road conditions due to snow and ice.
“Close the hatches and secure the moorings,” Tedici advises, as Italy braces for three days of extreme weather.
