World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Schools close in Genoa and other Ligurian towns as storms approach
An orange weather alert is set for parts of Liguria on Tuesday, October 20, as a strong weather system approaches north-western Italy.
Schools will close across Genoa for the day, with the city citing storm forecasts and damage left by heavy rain the previous day.
Schools are also set to close in Arenzano, Bogliasco, Campomorone, Cogoleto, Mignanego, Pieve Ligure, Recco, Serra Riccò and Sori.
The alert warns of heavy rain and persistent thunderstorms, with possible rapid rises in rivers and local flooding.
Strong winds and rough seas are also expected along the Ligurian coast.
Mayors decide whether to suspend classes, so an alert does not automatically mean schools must close.
Families should check official notices from their municipality and school for any further closures or details.
Genova and several nearby Ligurian towns will close schools on Tuesday, 20 October, as severe weather approaches.
Genova’s closure covers schools of all levels across the city, but applies only to teaching activities.
The regional orange weather alert is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong, persistent thunderstorms.
Officials also warn of possible rapid rises in river levels, local flooding and rough seas.
The closures are intended to protect students, teachers and school staff and limit travel.
- Who
- The municipalities of Genova and several other towns in Liguria ordered school closures.
- What
- Schools will close on Tuesday, 20 October. In Genova, the closure applies to teaching activities at all school levels.
- When
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
- Where
- Genova and the Ligurian municipalities of Arenzano, Bogliasco, Campomorone, Cogoleto, Mignanego, Pieve Ligure, Recco, Serra Riccò and Sori.
- Why
- An orange weather alert is forecast, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected. Genova also cited damage and strain from the previous day’s rainfall.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Residual instability remained over western and central Liguria ahead of the approaching weather front.
The new weather front was expected to arrive, with the most intense weather forecast from the early hours of the night.
An orange alert was forecast in parts of Liguria, and Genova and several other towns scheduled school closures.
Conditions were expected to gradually improve, although some instability and rough seas were forecast to persist.
- Closure date
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- Genova closure
- Schools of all levels; teaching activities only
- Listed municipalities
- Arenzano, Bogliasco, Campomorone, Cogoleto, Genova, Mignanego, Pieve Ligure, Recco, Serra Riccò and Sori
- Orange alert in zones A, B and D
- 7:00 a.m. to midnight on 20 October
- Forecast hazard
- Heavy rain, strong thunderstorms and rough seas
3 sources
What people are saying
Given the scenario outlined by Arpal and the strain on the area following the intense rainfall on Sunday, especially in the eastern part of the city, the Municipal Operations Centre has decided to close schools of all levels for tomorrow, Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
The closure applies only to teaching activities.