Severe weather in Sardinia: all the latest updates

Torrential rains, evacuated homes, blocked roads, and around a hundred firefighter interventions for fallen trees, unsafe poles, cornices, roof tiles, and damaged billboards: these are the initial consequences of Cyclone Harry, which is currently passing through Sardinia. There is also great concern for two shepherds who are missing in Urzulei.

Maximum alert is in place in Ogliastra, where about 200 millimeters of rain, the amount typically expected in more than two months, could fall within a few hours. More than 100-150 millimeters are expected in Sulcis, Sarrabus, Gallura, and Baronia. Wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour and storm surges with waves up to 6 meters high are also expected.

Arpas (the Italian National Emergency Response Agency) calls it an "extreme phenomenon." For two days, the eastern and southern parts of the island are under lockdown, with dozens of ordinances (including one in Cagliari) ordering the closure of schools, universities, public offices, parks, cemeteries, and sports facilities.

The red alert issued by the Civil Protection Department concerns the eastern and southern parts of Sardinia. In the heart of the island, in the Tirso area, it is orange, while on the western side it is yellow. The warning has been extended for 24 hours: on the eastern and southern sides of the island, a red alert is in effect for hydrogeological risk (landslides and floods) for the entire day today, Monday, January 19, and tomorrow; starting Tuesday, it will also be upgraded from yellow to orange for hydraulic risk. "It will be a crescendo until tomorrow, and we don't rule out a resurgence on Wednesday," said Regional Environment Councilor Rosanna Laconi from the Civil Protection Department's decision-making room.

Precipitation

Civil Protection stations recorded peaks of around 30 mm in the localities of Genna Tuvara and the Nuraghe Arrubiu dam. In the coming hours, the new bulletin specifies, "geomorphological, hydrogeological, and hydraulic criticalities are possible, mainly in the eastern and southern parts of Sardinia."

Waterways
Increased water levels have been recorded on several rivers and streams, particularly the Flumendosa (Brecca and Ponteterru sections), the Stanali River, the Cixerri River, and the Gutturu Mannu. Reservoirs are under special observation, with a pre-alert for flooding at the Nuraghe Arrubiu dam and a flood risk alert downstream for the Maccheronis and Flumineddu reservoirs. Increased surveillance is in place for the Minghetti dam, a pre-alert for dam risk at La Maddalena, and a pre-alert for flood risk downstream for Govossai, Caprera, Bau Mela, and Sinnai.

Roads

Highway 195 was temporarily closed and reopened along the coastal stretch between Cagliari and Capoterra. Dozens of families were evacuated to Torpè, those living along the banks of the Posada River, and other at-risk areas. Provincial and state roads were impacted, particularly in the areas of Muravera, Capoterra, Palau, Esterzili, Burcei, Assemini, Lula, Villamassargia, and Gairo. Maritime transport was halted in Cagliari and Olbia. Flights are currently operating normally, with airports fully operational.

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