Storm Ines Brings Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms to the Central Mediterranean

[Jari Sochorová]

Residents and travelers across the central Mediterranean region should prepare for dangerous weather conditions as low-pressure system Ines moves across the area. The center of the system is gradually shifting from northwestern Africa toward the Ionian Sea and is expected to continue northeastward into Eastern Europe.

Track of low-pressure system Ines (ICON EU), windy.com

What to Expect

The storm is bringing intense rainfall and strong thunderstorms. Rainfall totals may reach around 60 mm, with some areas, such as Sicily, Calabria, Apulia, and northwestern Greece, potentially seeing over 100 mm. This significantly increases the risk of flash flooding. Thunderstorms may also bring brief periods of strong wind gusts.

Total precipitation until Sunday 18th, 00 UTC (ICON EU), Windy.com

On Wednesday, Ines affected northwestern Africa. Northern Algeria was hit by severe thunderstorms that, according to the European Severe Weather Database, produced hailstones up to 2.5 cm in diameter.

Progression of Ines

Stormy weather is forecast to affect Tunisia, Sicily, and southern Italy on Thursday, bringing intense rain, strong winds, hail, and a high risk of flash flooding. An orange alert is in effect for Sicily and parts of southern Italy.

The center of the low-pressure system will move over the Ionian Sea on Friday and continue toward Greece, with severe weather expected to impact the southwestern Balkans.

As the weekend progresses, the system is expected to gradually weaken while shifting northeast. The heaviest rainfall will move from northeastern Greece to eastern Bulgaria. Meanwhile, weather conditions in the central Mediterranean should steadily improve.

Stay Weather-Ready

Stay updated by following weather warnings from local meteorological services (available via MeteoAlarm or Windy.com – Weather Warnings layer). For a detailed forecast in your area, including expected rainfall and wind gusts, check the meteogram (e.g., Windy.com – meteogram for Catanzaro).

Stay tuned for further updates as this dynamic weather system progresses across the region.

Media contact: press@windy.com