The weather mess in Europe is expanding with a deadly storm spreading to Italy and fires whipping through northern Portugal.
Storm Boris has moved southwest into Italy, and there are fears that heavy rains and flooding could hit popular tourist areas.
After pounding central and Eastern Europe with record rainfall and strong winds that resulted in widespread flooding, the storm was whipping up winds in Italy on 18SEP. EuroNews.com reports that weather alerts have been issued in Emilia-Romagna region, which includes Modena, Parma and Bologna, and also in Marche and Lazio, which includes Rome.
Flooding also has been reported in the central city of Pescara on the Adriatic Coast, about 200 km’s northeast of Rome.
The warnings in Italy follow flooding from heavy rainfall triggered by the storm in Austria, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic. At least 21 people are reported dead from storm damage.
Authorities in Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia are warning of more flooding in the coming days.
As reported by Open Jaw on 17SEP, Avalon Waterways has had to rejig the itineraries of wo ships and cancelled two other sailings on the Danube.
A Canadian advisor told Open Jaw that one of her clients had a Danube trip cancelled.
“There have been lots of posts of busing and cancellations,” another agent said.
Uniworld said it is “actively monitoring” the situation and will alert consumers and advisors of any changes.
“Guests can be assured that the operations team is working diligently to provide them with alternatives that meet Uniworld’s strict standards for quality and service, delivering the 5-star experience that they know and expect,” a spokesperson said.
G Adventures told Open Jaw on 18SEP that they haven't seen an impact on their European trips, but are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Meanwhile, seven people have died in northern Portugal and an unknown number of people have been forced to flee their homes due to raging fires. Associated Press says more than 100 wildfires have stretched thousands of firefighters to the limit.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro declared a state of calamity for the hardest-hit areas late on 17SEP, invoking powers to mobilize more firefighters and civil servants.
