Severe Weather Warning for Southern Italy: Red Alert in Sardinia, Orange in Sicily and Calabria
Rome, January 19 – Italy is once again grappling with adverse weather conditions, as strong winds and widespread rain are set to impact the southern regions. Forecasts indicate intense gusts, particularly along the coasts of Sicily and Sardinia. Consequently, a red weather alert has been activated for a significant portion of Sardinia today, Monday, January 19. Orange alerts are in place for other parts of Sardinia, Sicily, and Calabria, while Basilicata and Tuscany are under a yellow alert.
Weather Outlook: Strong Winds and Persistent Rain
The beginning of the week will be marked by gale-force winds from the eastern quadrants over Sicily, extending to Sardinia and Calabria. These winds are expected to intensify on Tuesday, January 20, reaching strong gale force with storm-like gusts. Heavy seas are also anticipated along exposed coastlines. From this evening, widespread rain, including thunderstorms, is forecast, particularly for Calabria and Sardinia.
Despite the inclement weather, temperatures are not expected to drop significantly. A low-pressure system centered over North Africa continues to draw humid southeasterly currents across Italy. This will result in abundant and persistent rainfall on the two major islands and in Calabria, especially on the eastern slopes, between today and Tuesday. The weather picture is completed by violent Sirocco gusts and extensive rough seas along the exposed coasts.
Schools Closed in Catania, Messina, and Agrigento
Due to the severe weather conditions, schools are closed today in three Sicilian cities. Mayors in Messina, Catania, and Agrigento have signed ordinances to this effect. In Messina, all municipal cemeteries, public parks, and municipal sports facilities will also be closed. The latter will also be closed in Catania, along with museums, municipal libraries, historical and local markets, and outdoor events. In Agrigento, schools will remain closed through Tuesday, January 20.
Yellow Alert in Tuscany
The regional civil protection operational center of Tuscany has issued a critical weather bulletin with a yellow code for wind. This alert, effective from 1:00 PM today, Monday, January 19, will affect the central-northern plains of the region, including the Florence area, the Bisenzio-Ombrone Pistoiese basin, the lower Valdarno, and Valdelsa-Valdera. Snowfall is possible this afternoon, initially above 1000-1200 meters, dropping to approximately 500 meters in the evening over Alto Mugello and the eastern slopes of the Apennines in general.
A yellow code is also in effect today in Florence for strong wind risk. This alert extends to the municipalities of Bagno a Ripoli, Fiesole, Greve in Chianti, Impruneta, Lastra a Signa, Pontassieve, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Scandicci, and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.
Source: Adnkronos
