Friuli Venezia Giulia storm triggers floods, wind damage and landslides

A severe thunderstorm system swept across Friuli Venezia Giulia on Wednesday afternoon, bringing gusts of up to 100 km/h, small hail and intense rain. The most intense period occurred between 17:00 and 19:00 as the storm moved eastward from the Treviso plain into the Udine basin and the Natisone valleys. Heavy rainfall, maximum 117 mm in Cazzaso, caused flooding in several municipalities, including Zuglio, Arta Terme, Basiliano, Pordenone, Sedegliano and others. Fallen trees and branches were reported from Sesto al Reghena to Premariacco, and minor landslides were recorded in Cazzaso and around Tolmezzo. While main river levels stayed below alert thresholds, streams such as Chiarsò, But and Arzino briefly exceeded warning limits. The regional civil protection deployed 27 operational missions, mobilising about a hundred volunteers and 34 vehicles. Conditions are expected to improve, with little precipitation forecast for the morning and only scattered showers possible later in the day.