KEY POINTS
- Severe storms linked to ex-Hurricane Erin bringing extreme rainfall across Europe.
- North Adriatic (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia) under high flash-flood risk through Sept 2–3.
- Italy hit by landslides and 100+ mm rain; Slovenia saw 79 mm in 2 hours.
- France battered by hailstorms, winds, and seven tornadoes.
- UK Met Office issues yellow warning for southern Scotland: up to 50 mm rain.
- Poland’s Czerna Mala river breaches maximum flood threshold (level 3/3).
- Scientists warn climate change intensifying extremes, recalling €18B damages in 2024.
ROME/LONDON/WARSAW: Severe weather sweeping across Europe has triggered flooding, landslides, and widespread disruption, with forecasters warning that conditions could deteriorate further in the coming days.
From Italy’s Alpine foothills to the Scottish Highlands and river basins in Poland, authorities are bracing for extreme rainfall and flash floods fueled by storm systems linked to the remnants of ex-Hurricane Erin.
“We are facing a particularly dangerous setup in the North Adriatic, where high-intensity storms could bring life-threatening flash floods,” Severe Weather Europe said in its latest forecast on Tuesday.
Flash Flood Risk in the North Adriatic
The most severe threat centres on the North Adriatic region, including northern Italy, Slovenia, and parts of Croatia.
Meteorological agencies have placed Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, and Liguria under level-2 flood alerts, warning that swollen rivers and waterlogged terrain could lead to rapid inundations.
Italian civil protection units are on standby after overnight rains triggered landslides in Baveno, while Padua endured nearly 57 millimetres of rain in just over an hour, overwhelming drainage systems.
Storm Damage Already Felt
In Slovenia, authorities reported localised flooding after 79 millimetres of rain fell in two hours near Logatec.
In France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, residents were battered by hail, gales, and seven tornadoes, two rated IF1. The storms damaged rooftops and power lines, leaving thousands briefly without electricity.
“The intensity and frequency of these convective storms underline the unstable pattern we are dealing with,” the French national weather service (Météo-France) said.
UK Braces for Heavy Downpours
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain, thunder, and hail, particularly across southern Scotland.
Up to 50 millimetres of rain is forecast, with warnings of travel disruption and localised flooding.
“We urge people to take care on the roads and near rivers. Sudden downpours could cause flooding in vulnerable areas,” a Met Office spokesperson said.
The Environment Agency noted that while the overall national flood risk remains low, alerts remain in force for Glen Lyon and the surrounding catchments.
SIDEBAR: Safety Tips During Flash Floods
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters — even shallow water can sweep vehicles away.
- Stay on higher ground and move to upper floors if flooding threatens your home.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Follow local alerts and evacuation orders without delay.
- Keep emergency supplies ready — flashlight, drinking water, medications, and important documents.
- Check on vulnerable neighbors such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
Eastern Europe on Edge
In Poland, flood alarms have been sounded as the Czerna Mala river at Iłanka station exceeded the flood threshold level 3 out of 3 — the most severe classification. Officials are monitoring water levels closely, warning of possible evacuations if the rains persist.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) has also flagged northern Italy and Austria as at-risk zones, citing saturated soils and high runoff potential in Alpine valleys.
Summary Box: Urgent Flood Threats
Climate Backdrop and Rising Costs
Scientists warn that Europe’s exposure to such destructive weather is growing due to climate change. Warmer air masses can hold more moisture, increasing the likelihood of sudden downpours and floods.
The European Environment Agency noted that 2024 was already the continent’s most flood-damaged year in over a decade, with €18 billion in losses and more than 330 lives lost.
“What we’re seeing now is not isolated — it’s part of a wider intensification of extremes,” the European Climate Assessment & Dataset (ECA&D) network stated in a briefing.
The Road Ahead
Authorities across the continent are urging vigilance as the severe weather episode unfolds. Residents in high-risk zones have been told to avoid travel in flood-prone areas, monitor local alerts, and prepare for possible evacuations.
The European Flood Awareness System continues to track storm trajectories, warning that conditions could worsen mid-week as the trough deepens.
