Sardinia Hit by Bad Weather: Ferries Cancelled in Cagliari and Olbia, Flights Remain Regular
Cagliari, January 19, 2026 – The deterioration of weather conditions has already begun to impact mobility to and from Sardinia. Maritime connections have been suspended in the ports of Cagliari and Olbia, where strengthening winds and rough seas have led to the cancellation of several departures.
In the Sardinian capital, the evening departure of the ferry to Civitavecchia was cancelled, and the arrival of the ship from Naples is not scheduled for tomorrow. This decision was made as a precautionary measure due to the anticipated intensification of gusts and sea surges in the coming hours.
Wind and Rough Seas Expected
The situation is also evolving in Gallura. Currently, the meteorological picture appears relatively stable, but forecasts indicate a rapid increase in wind and precipitation, with rough seas along exposed coasts. For this reason, the Moby company has cancelled evening connections from Olbia’s Isola Bianca port to Civitavecchia. The route between Santa Teresa Gallura and Bonifacio, Corsica, is completely blocked. The sea has already reached force 8 and is forecast to rise to force 9. Morning crossings were carried out with significant delays, while from early afternoon, connections were suspended and will remain so until at least tomorrow.
Air Traffic Regular, Possible Delays
Regarding air traffic, Cagliari Elmas Airport is operating regularly. Currently, no cancellations have been reported, although flights may experience delays or changes due to crosswinds. A potential worsening of conditions, with intense precipitation or heavy downpours, could however affect the airport’s operations.
Meanwhile, in the south of the island, the Municipality of Teulada has, at the indication of the Province, ordered the immediate closure of Provincial Road 71. This measure was deemed necessary due to adverse weather conditions and critical issues found along the route. The situation remains monitored, and further suspensions or limitations to transport, both maritime and land, cannot be ruled out in the coming hours, depending on the evolution of the bad weather.
The current weather alert is a ‘red alert’ for the cyclone Harry, which has been impacting Sardinia. Authorities have implemented various measures to mitigate the effects of the severe weather, including the closure of schools in Cagliari and its province, and the suspension of bus services due to the risk of heavy rainfall exceeding 400mm.
Local news outlets have been closely following the situation, reporting on the exceptional strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sea surges expected between January 19th and 20th. There has been significant discussion about potential school closures and the overall impact on the region.
The city of Cagliari is also undergoing significant changes in its port area, with a ‘green promenade’ nearing completion. This development, however, is separate from the immediate concerns regarding the severe weather.
Forecasts have highlighted a record-breaking ‘scirocco’ wind and heavy rain for Monday, January 19th, and Tuesday, January 20th. Residents have been advised to exercise maximum caution.
The severe weather event has been described as ‘critical’ by local officials, who anticipate a continuous escalation of conditions. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed and follow safety guidelines.
The situation in Naples, Campania, Italy, is not directly affected by these specific events in Sardinia, as the report focuses solely on the island’s weather and transport disruptions.
