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A warning of flash floods and mudslides bringing travel disruption has been issued as a result of a rare September Mediterranean storm moving into Italy and the Balkan region today (Thursday).
The storm is expected to strengthen as it moves northward, bringing heavy rainfall and a high risk for flooding along its path.
Areas from Sicily through Calabria are the most likely regions of Italy to experience flooding rainfall from the storm.
Rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches will be common, with localised amounts up to 6 inches.
“Flash flooding will be the biggest concern; however, mudslides are also possible,” warned US-based weather forecaster AccuWeather.
“Anyone travelling to southern Italy and the Balkan Peninsula should be prepared for travel disruptions due to the adverse weather that is expected from this storm system.”
While flooding is not expected farther north, rain is forecast across Campania, Basilicata and Puglia where amounts will generally be under 1 inch.
The downpours were expected to move into western Greece and southern Albania last night before spreading northeastward across northern Greece, Macedonia, western Bulgaria and southern Serbia today.
“These areas will also be at high risk for flash flooding along with mudslides due to the rugged terrain of the region,” AccuWeather meteorologist Eric Leister said.