The powerful Mediterranean low-pressure system Erminio is causing severe weather in central and southern Italy.

Moist air masses are being forced up the slopes of the Apennines by strong easterly winds, leading to exceptionally high rainfall.

As a result of the persistent rainfall, numerous rivers have burst their banks. Widespread flooding has occurred in regions ranging from Abruzzo to Apulia in the south-east of the country, amongst others.

At the same time, the higher reaches of the Apennines are seeing unusually heavy snowfall for this time of year. In some places, more than one and a half metres of fresh snow has already been recorded. The risk of avalanches is heightened due to the large amounts of fresh and drifted snow.

The impact is significant: road and rail services are being disrupted. This is leading to closures, delays and regional power cuts.

The situation remains tense for the time being: rain and snow are set to continue on Thursday. It is not until Good Friday that the low-pressure system will gradually move away and the precipitation ease off.