BLOG 6 - EXTREME WEATHER IN ITALY

      Extreme weather is caused by the transfer of energy through the three stages of convection, conduction, and radiation. This energy causes changes in the Earth's atmosphere, making the air unstable and thus resulting in extreme weather. Thunderstorms, lightning, rainstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms are all considered extreme weather (Keller & DeVecchio, 2015).  

       Italy is somewhat prone to extreme weather, with several terrifying incidents occurring every year. Just a few months ago, an intense supercell tornado hit the region surrounding the Northern Adriatic Sea, hitting areas such as Trieste and the Slovenian coast. In the same week, an extreme winter storm blasted the Alps and resulted in up to 10 new feet of snow along with 30 inches of rain (Korosec, 2020). 

      

A car covered in 8 feet of snow in Carpacotta following an ice storm (2015). 

      In order to avoid - or at least minimize - the disastrous effects of extreme weather, it's important to take multiple steps. The first and most necessary is to be learn and be aware of what extreme weather hazards your region is prone to. Another important thing is more accurate weather forecasts and warnings. Once you are aware of what hazards your area is prone to, you should prepare a bag in advance in the event of emergency extreme weather, taking items best suited for the event. In the case of Italy, which is filled with many ancient and unstable buildings, mitigations efforts need to be put forward to help these buildings become stronger and able to withstand events of extreme weather like tornadoes, rainstorms, and snowstorms. 

Sources

Natural Hazards by Keller & DeVecchio, 2015

https://www.severe-weather.eu/global-weather/storm-tornado-trieste-italy-winter-mk/