Well scribbler, I don't think that Italian courts can set precedents
for our courts, but I will bet quids that some lawyer is sitting there
clicking his tongue thinking about it "$$$".

but the forecasters witnessed a huge turnaround."
Poirot,
Big deal ! We witnessed that too & long before the experts realised it. (can we get obscenely excessive funding now ?)

Philip S asked "... Should scientists be blamed for failing to accurately foresee the fury of natural phenomena? ...".

Yes, when scientists go from researching a topic to providing advice to the public, they must accept responsibility for their actions.

Computer and engineering students have ethics and professionalism as a compulsory part of their university program. I teach this at ANU: http://tomw.net.au/technology/it/professional_ethics/

After problems with communications during the Canberra bush-fires, myself and one of my students wrote some reports on what we thought should be done and gave talks about this. I made sure that this material was online and easy to find, so that no professional could use ignorance as a defence, if called before a royal commission after another bushfire. Regrettably, there were then bushfires in Victoria with loss of life. The royal commission staff found my material online and called to ask if it was okay to use it: http://blog.tomw.net.au/2009/03/national-bushfire-warning-system.html

Professionals have a level of protection from legal action, if they act honestly and competently. As an example, I am an ACS Certified Computer Professional and there is a cap on my legal liability in civil cases. But I have to make sure I keep my skills up to date, so I know what I am doing: http://blog.tomw.net.au/2011/05/certified-computer-professional.html

Tomw thank you, brigades I have been part of went down to the ACT and sat around unused till it was too late.
You may be well aware we are in big trouble due to not burning off in winter.
Headed far worse than black Friday and the ACT.
Red tape wrong people are going to kill.
outcome from Italy?
Well in my view no prison terms but no more warnings may bean out come not wanted.