Rome, Italy – Heavy storms battered Rome and its surrounding province on Monday, June 22nd, leading to widespread disruption, fallen trees, and significant traffic problems. Despite a red alert for heat earlier in the day, the capital was hit by sudden and intense downpours, causing chaos across the city.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Interventions
Local police reported over 50 interventions across Rome due to the severe weather. One particularly alarming incident occurred on Via Ostiense, where a falling branch struck a moving vehicle and damaged four parked cars. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in this incident, and investigations are being carried out by the VIII Tintoretto Group of the local police.
Another major disruption involved a branch falling onto a tram cable on Piazzale delle Belle Arti, affecting tram lines 2, 3, and 19. Tram services were suspended for a period but resumed around 6:45 PM.
Road closures and diversions were implemented in several areas to manage the hazardous conditions. Via Tiberina was closed from kilometer 8.200 to 8.400, and Via Tiburtina was closed towards central Rome at Via Cupa. Via di Santa Maria Goretti was also temporarily closed near Piazza Addis Abeba, with traffic diverted to Viale Etiopia, though it has since reopened. Additionally, Via del Gazometro was closed from Via del Porto Fluviale towards Piazza del Gazometro, and Via Ostiense from Piazza del Gazometro towards Basilica San Paolo, with traffic rerouted to the preferential lane.
Public Transport Affected by Fallen Trees
The fallen trees had a notable impact on public transport. An incident on Via Tiburtina near Via Valerio Massimo led to diversions for bus lines 71, 163, 448, 492, and 545. These lines, heading towards Verano from Piazza delle Crociate, were rerouted via Via della Lega Lombarda, Piazzale delle Provincie, and Viale delle Provincie.
A large branch also fell on Via San Giovanni in Laterano, causing considerable concern. Francesco Carpano, a city councilor for Forza Italia, criticized the city’s tree management, stating, “Only one person in a city as large as Rome is responsible for managing all trees on public land. It’s a management system that is impervious to citizens, top-down, and often ineffective. We are the only ones in Europe to manage trees this way. But Gualtieri does not want decentralization.”
Further branch falls were reported in the eastern outskirts of the capital, including Via San Biagio Platani and Rocca Cencia, as well as in Pigneto, where traffic was temporarily blocked on Via Erasmo Gattamelata between Via Lanzone da Corte and Via Sampiero di Bastelica.
Storms Extend to the Province
The adverse weather conditions were not limited to Rome itself but also affected the surrounding province. Monterotondo and Tivoli experienced particularly violent thunderstorms. In Nerola, a downburst was reported, generating linear wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour. This phenomenon, characterized by rapidly descending air currents that spread out upon impact with the ground, caused localized intense winds.
The heavy rainfall also led to traffic queues on the highway, specifically between the junction of the Roma Sud branch (kilometer 576.3) and the Colleferro exit (kilometer 592.5).
The Bracciano area also faced critical situations, requiring several interventions by local Carabinieri due to the severe weather. Five vehicles were damaged in total-two parked and three in transit. Fallen trees partially blocked circulation on the Braccianese Claudia state road and Via Anguillarese, though traffic was later restored. An additional fallen tree temporarily blocked the entrance to Bracciano-Vigna di Valle Airport, but this situation also returned to normal without any reported injuries.
Outlook for the Coming Days
While Monday’s storms were intense, further precipitation is anticipated for Tuesday, June 23rd. However, the likelihood of afternoon showers is expected to significantly decrease from Wednesday onwards, offering some relief from the recent turbulent weather.
Source: RomaToday
