Rome and the Lazio region are currently grappling with severe weather conditions, as persistent heavy rainfall has triggered a yellow alert from the Civil Protection. The downpour has led to widespread flooding, significant traffic congestion, and numerous road closures across the capital and surrounding areas. Forecasts indicate that the rain will continue unabated for the next 18-24 hours, exacerbating the already challenging situation.
Traffic Gridlock and Road Closures Across Rome
The incessant rain has brought Rome’s traffic to a standstill in many areas, with reports of multiple accidents and extensive queues. According to Luceverde Roma, a collision on the Via Pontina near Via di Vallerano caused major tailbacks towards Rome, which persisted for several hours. The Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA) also experienced heavy traffic, particularly on the inner carriageway between Cassia Veientana and Salaria, and on the outer carriageway approaching the Tangenziale Est.
The Tangenziale Est itself was one of the most congested arteries, with queues reported between Corso di Francia and Salaria. Similar delays were observed on Via Salaria, with traffic moving slowly towards the city center. Commuters on the A24 Rome-L’Aquila motorway also faced significant delays entering Rome between Settecamini and the Tangenziale.
Several roads have been closed to ensure public safety. A section of Via dei Fori Imperiali, between Largo Corrado Ricci and Piazza Venezia, remains closed following the collapse of a large tree and ongoing safety checks on other trees. Via Ardeatina is also closed in both directions between Via di San Sebastiano and Vicolo dell’Annunziatella, with other sections operating under alternating one-way traffic. Heavy traffic was also reported on Via Flaminia, between Labaro and Via dei Due Ponti, on Cristoforo Colombo, and again on the Pontina, particularly between Castel Romano and Castel di Decima towards Rome.
Local Police and emergency services are actively managing traffic and securing affected roads. Luceverde advises motorists to exercise extreme caution and consider alternative routes due to the evolving situation.
Impact Beyond the City Center: Fallen Trees and Maritime Disruptions
The severe weather has also impacted areas outside central Rome. Astral reported a fallen tree on SR218 Rocca di Papa at kilometer 11 and 600, leading to alternating one-way traffic in both directions. Maritime transport has also been affected, with the Laziomar Formia Ventotene fast ferry service, originally scheduled for 10:30 AM, being brought forward to 1:00 PM due to adverse weather conditions.
Broader Weather Patterns: Rain and Snow Across Italy
Lorenzo Tedici, meteorologist and media manager for iLMeteo.it, stated that precipitation is expected on the Tyrrhenian side and in the South, with snowfall in the Alps and Apennines. He added,
