Italy braces for adverse weather

(ANSA) - Rome, October 13 - Parts of Italy braced for extreme weather as authorities on Tuesday issued alerts ahead of torrential downpours, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in the Abruzzo, Campania, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Molise, Toscany, and Umbria regions.
    Civil protection officials warned of the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and landslides further uphill.
    Lazio regional authorities issued their own weather alert ahead of heavy rains beginning at midnight for the next 24 to 36 hours.
    Rome and surrounding areas are at risk of flooding, the authorities said.
    The regional emergency number is 803-555.
    Public and private schools will be shut down Wednesday in the Lazio city of Frosinone, which has also barred access to road underpasses as a preventive measure in case of flooding.
    In neighboring Tuscany, authorities shut down schools in the seaside towns of Capalbio, Manciano, Magliano in Toscana, Monte Argentario, Orbetello, Pitigliano, and Sorano.