Italy travel warning: Everything you need to know as ‘apocalyptic’ floods hit Emilia-Romagna

People are being advised to limit their travels in northern Italy, following devastating floods which have killed at least nine people and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused 21 rivers to burst their banks in Emilia-Romagna, submerging entire towns in some parts of the region.

“Apocalyptic” floods and landslides have also wreaked havoc in Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia, with experts warning that climate-related disasters are on the rise in southern Europe.

In the region’s capital city of Bologna, the tourist board has urged citizens to limit their travel to essential journeys only.

The UK government has issued a travel warning for severe flooding in Emilia-Romagna, urging people to check before they travel and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Some travellers - including Formula One fans - have cancelled plans to visit the region. The Emilia-Romagna F1 Grand Prix scheduled for this weekend has been called off as emergency crews are already overstretched by the crisis.

If you have travel plans to northern Italy, here’s what you need to know.

Flights to and from Bologna Airport are still departing as scheduled, according to the latest flight information.

The latest guidance from Guglielmo Marconi Bologna International Airport encourages outgoing passengers to leave home early, and travel by public transport such as the Marconi Express monorail (from Bologna central railway station) or bus.

Italia Rail warns that High Speed, InterCity and regional trains are experiencing delays, route restrictions, and cancellations in the Emilia-Romagna region. A statement yesterday (17 May) advises people not to travel during the next few days if possible.

Holidaymakers have criticised