Severe Weather Batters Rome and Lazio: Flash Floods, Landslides, and Rising River Levels
Rome and the surrounding Lazio region have been hit by a wave of severe weather, bringing torrential rain, flash floods, and significant disruptions. Emergency services have been inundated with calls as roads become impassable and rivers swell to alarming levels.
Flash Floods and Traffic Chaos in Rome
A ‘water bomb’ struck central Rome, particularly affecting Via Veneto and its vicinity, leading to extensive flooding and severe traffic congestion. Numerous calls for assistance were made to the fire brigade. Via Cristoforo Colombo was particularly impacted, with multiple sections submerged. The Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA) also experienced significant slowdowns due to heavy rain and localized hailstorms. Critical situations and ongoing fire brigade operations were reported near Via di Malafede, the Tre Alpini exit, Poggio dei Fiori, Mezzocammino, and the underpass with Via Pontina. The rising levels of the Tiber and Aniene rivers are also causing concern, with riverbanks now completely submerged. The Civil Protection is on high alert. Large hailstones covered areas of Colle Salario and Fidene during the morning.
Torrente Esondation in Bel Poggio
The stream flowing through Bel Poggio has once again overflowed its banks, leading to the closure of Via Lello Maddaleno in both directions. The continuous heavy rainfall throughout Friday night and Saturday morning caused the latest overflow, engaging both the fire brigade and local residents in arduous efforts.
Landslide Blocks Road Between Orte and Vasanello
In the Tuscia region, a landslide blocked the SP30 road connecting Orte to Vasanello on Friday evening. The collapse occurred around 9:30 PM at kilometer 8.3. Firefighters, civil protection volunteers, the Guardia di Finanza, and municipal technicians from Orte were on site. Operations to secure the area and restore road access continued throughout the night. On Saturday morning, provincial technicians and geologists conducted an urgent inspection to assess the extent of the landslide and the safety of the affected slope. The road was reopened at 9:00 AM.
Sinkhole Opens Near Lake Bolsena
Also in the Viterbo area, a sinkhole has opened on the road along Lake Bolsena, within the municipality of Montefiascone, leading towards the lakeside town of Marta. The landslide occurred on the road section near Il Faro. Giulia De Santis, the mayor of Montefiascone, stated, “We are working to close the affected road section. Fortunately, this area is not heavily frequented during winter, but as a precaution, in addition to the existing barriers, we will close the road to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. As soon as weather conditions permit, we will proceed with repairing the asphalt damaged by the intense rains.” Water rescue teams from the fire brigade also rescued three people and two dogs who were in distress due to rising water levels.
Sunday Forecast: More Intense Rain for Lazio
The weather is not expected to improve significantly on Sunday, February 8th. In Rome, a predominantly rainy day with possible clear spells is forecast. Meteorologist Antonio Sanò from ilMeteo.it explains, “Scattered clouds in the morning, and quick showers in the afternoon and evening.” Across the entire Lazio region, a new disturbance is expected on Sunday. The morning will be mostly stable but cloudy. However, the weather will worsen in the afternoon, with overcast skies and precipitation, initially light, then gradually becoming more intense.
Tyrrhenian Coast Under Relentless Atlantic Flow
The Tyrrhenian coast has become the primary target of the Atlantic flow, experiencing continuous precipitation. Lorenzo Tedici, media meteorologist for iLMeteo.it, confirms that this weather pattern has been stuck for weeks: “We are facing a baric paralysis. The Atlantic Gate is wide open, sending a series of disturbances that consistently release their energy on the West/South-West exposed regions. This monotonous weather situation is dangerous because it doesn’t allow the ground to dry.” A change in weather patterns might be expected from Valentine’s Day onwards, with arctic air moving from Finland towards Italy.
Source: Corriere della Sera, Civil Protection, ilMeteo.it
