Italy has already suffered a string of severe weather this month, sparking storms and flooding, and conditions showed no signs of improving this week.

Things became more critical on Monday night as the Civil Defense issued a weather red alert for the Emilia-Romagna region, which will host this weekend’s F1 race.

The warning, now in effect through Tuesday and Wednesday, warns of the risk of flooding and infrastructure damage from high winds, downpours and thunderstorms, including possible landslides.

Local authorities have also warned that up to 100mm of rain could fall in the hardest-hit areas on Tuesday. By the end of Wednesday, accumulations are expected to average around 150 mm.

Local mayors were advised to close schools and roads at risk of being submerged following a meeting of the National Crisis Unit due to the severe risk of flooding. Citizens are advised to avoid travel as much as possible.

A difficult situation inevitably opens up the risk that the Imola F1 weekend will be affected, whether by spectators entering or leaving the track, or having some impact on the running of the race.

While the red alert status has sparked speculation that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could even be called off, F1 sources insist there is no need to worry about the event not going ahead. Teams and officials are traveling as planned.

Aston Martin clears water from pit lane

Photography: Erik Junius

Operational plans for wet weather are in place and race organizers are working hard to ensure spectator facilities, including car parks, remain available.

F1 itself is good at racing in bad weather and this weekend’s race at Imola will debut the new Pirelli wet tyres, which don’t require warm-up.

Mario Isola, Head of Pirelli Racing and F1, said: “Track tests have shown that even without electric tire heating, track tests perform better than the previous Cinturato Blue all wet.

“The results of Pirelli’s research show that this is the first concrete step towards the use of dry tires that do not require preheating.”