Severe Weather Hits Canavese and Turin: Flood Risk Forces Road, Rail, and Museum Closures

Turin, April 17, 2025 – Torrential rainfall that began on Wednesday afternoon has severely impacted large areas of the Canavese region, with continuing disruptions reported throughout Thursday. The heavy precipitation, triggered by a strong weather disturbance, has led to road and railway closures, rising river levels, and precautionary evacuations and restrictions across multiple municipalities.

Transportation Severely Affected

The motorway network in northern Piedmont is experiencing significant restrictions due to flood risks. The Turin–Aosta motorway (A5) has been closed between Scarmagno and Ivrea, with authorities citing the danger of water overflow. The Ivrea–Santhià junction is also closed between Ivrea and Albiano d’Ivrea, following similar safety concerns.

Meanwhile, the Frejus motorway tunnel—an important transalpine route—was temporarily closed for technical reasons, although it has since reopened to traffic. Motorists are urged to consult live traffic updates before traveling.

The rail transport network is also heavily impacted. The SFM1 Chieri–Rivarolo Canavese line remains suspended between Settimo Torinese and Rivarolo Canavese, again due to heightened flood risk. Additionally, the Frejus railway tunnel is currently closed, with officials confirming a reopening scheduled for Friday, April 18.

Turin: Rivers Swell, Bridges Closed as Precaution

In the city of Turin, the situation is being closely monitored. Authorities have closed the Murazzi riverbanks as a precautionary measure, given the gradual rise in water levels. While major river systems are currently within warning thresholds, officials have raised concern about the Stura River, which has exceeded its alert threshold near the Ferdinando di Savoia bridge at Corso Giulio Cesare. With water levels approaching the danger mark, the bridge has been closed to ensure public safety.

The Amedeo VIII bridge on Strada Settimo has also been shut down, as has the Carpanini and Bologna bridges over the Dora Riparia River, following a thorough risk assessment in the late morning.

Emergency teams from Protezione Civile are actively monitoring riverbanks and hillside areas, though no landslides have been reported in the Turin hills as of Thursday afternoon. Hydrogeological alert levels remain elevated, and continued surveillance is in place.

Public Transport Disruptions and Diversions

The GTT public transport network has issued updated travel advisories. Routes 8, 27, 49, and 93 have been diverted due to road closures, while Line 4 service is currently limited to Piazza Derna. In response to partial service suspensions, shuttle buses have been activated to connect the Falchera district to Piazza Derna, with rerouted access via Corso Vercelli.

For commuters from Settimo Torinese, modified routes are available along Viale Puglia, Lungostura Lazio, Viale Ivrea, and Corso Vercelli. GTT has advised travelers to consult the official GTT website for real-time updates.

Cultural Institutions Impacted

Among cultural venues, the Egyptian Museum of Turin has closed its doors for the day due to water infiltration and damage to the electrical system at a nearby construction site. “We are promptly resolving the technical issues,” a museum spokesperson confirmed, adding that all tickets purchased for April 17 will be refunded.

The museum is expected to reopen on Friday, April 18, and will maintain extended hours—9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily—until Easter Monday to accommodate visitors.

Persistent Threats in the Wider Region

The Pinerolo area, already affected by yesterday’s rainfall, continues to report ongoing disruption, particularly in rural and hillside communities. Emergency services are attending to blocked roads and localized flooding. In the lower Susa Valley, new problems emerged this morning, with minor landslides and waterlogged roadways creating additional hazards.

Municipal officials have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain indoors where possible, avoid underpasses and riverbanks, and to contact local civil protection units in case of emergency. “We are facing a serious weather situation that requires maximum caution,” said a spokesperson from the Piedmont Regional Civil Protection Department. “We ask citizens to follow instructions, respect closures, and avoid unnecessary travel.”

Weather Warnings and Recommendations

The Piedmont Regional Weather Service has issued a Level 2 (Orange) Hydrogeological Alert for large portions of Turin and Canavese through Friday morning. Rainfall is expected to ease by late Friday, but residual water accumulation and soil saturation could continue to pose risks, particularly for landslides and infrastructure stability.

Residents are advised to:

• Stay informed through official communication channels (Protezione Civile, local municipalities, ARPA Piemonte).
• Avoid traveling through flooded roads, tunnels, and low-lying bridges.
• Secure basement belongings and monitor water levels near properties.
• Report any signs of instability (cracks in the ground, sudden changes in stream flow) to authorities.

Looking Ahead

As rainfall continues into the evening, emergency services and municipal agencies remain on high alert. With major transit routes disrupted, and rivers near critical thresholds, the situation across Canavese, Turin, and the surrounding valleys remains volatile. The public is encouraged to remain cautious and cooperate with safety measures to minimize risk as emergency teams continue their efforts to restore access and ensure public welfare.