Rome - Heavy rains and strong winds continued to lash Italy on Tuesday, while authorities in the country's northern Piedmont and Val d'Aosta regions warned of possible avalanches due to intense snowfalls.

Near Rome, the Aniene river flooded its banks in several areas, submerging farmland and prompting the evacuation of several homes and factories.

Rescuers also assisted several motorists left stranded with their vehicles stuck in mud in the outskirts of the Italian capital.

While Rome's river Tiber has subsided after a weekend swell that swept barges and other debris against several bridges, more downpours and storms are expected to hit the Italian capital over the next few days, raising fears of flooding and other disruptions. (dpa)