A weather alert has been issued in Sardinia due to worsening conditions expected between this evening and tomorrow. The regional Civil Protection Department has issued an alert valid from 9:00 PM today until 11:59 PM on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Schools are closed in Cagliari , Sinnai, Settimo San Pietro , San Vito , Burcei , Quartu, Quartucciu, Selargius, Capoterra, Maracalagonis , Villaputzu , Muravera, Castiadas, Villasimius , Senorbì, Guasila, Mandas, Selegas, Suelli , Calangianus, and Tempio Pausania (list being updated). In Capoterra, in addition to schools, the coastlines are also closed.
The maximum alert level (red code) will go into effect starting tomorrow at 12:00 PM and will affect the eastern and southern parts of the island. It will be preceded by a yellow criticality warning from 9:00 PM today until 9:00 AM tomorrow, when it will be upgraded to orange.
The areas affected by the red warning are Iglesiente, Campidano, Flumendosa-Flumineddu, and Gallura , where heavy rainfall is expected with possible landslides. A yellow warning is also in effect in the same areas for flood risk. A yellow warning is in effect for hydrogeological risk in the Montevecchio-Pischinappiu and Logudoro areas, while the Tirso area is under an orange warning for hydrogeological risk and a yellow warning for flood risk.
In light of the red code, municipalities have closed schools and public parks for the duration of the alert, as well as cemeteries and outdoor sports facilities, in accordance with municipal ordinances. The Southern Sardinia Land Reclamation Consortium, acting on the instructions of the Civil Engineering Department, has opened the mouth of the Flumendosa River to reduce the risk of flooding in the event of flash floods.
This evening, the ARPAS Decentralized Functional Center – Meteorological Sector outlined the expected evolution of the phenomena. Specifically, persistent and widespread precipitation is expected, with significant cumulative rainfall: up to 200 mm in 24 hours in Ogliastra, and over 100–150 mm between Sulcis, Sarrabus, Gallura, and Baronia. At the same time, winds and storm surges are expected to gradually intensify over the next few hours.
The SP 195 road has already been patrolled, with the involvement of Civil Protection volunteers, and possible preventative closures and diversions to alternative routes have been discussed. Similar monitoring activities are underway at fords, river mouths, and sensitive infrastructure.
The island's airports are currently operational. Any restrictions or flight changes will be communicated based on forecast updates.
The Maritime Directorates have activated specific surveillance stations along the coast, with particular attention to the Northeast, and have implemented control measures for maritime connections and ferry lines, for which delays or cancellations cannot be ruled out in the event of worsening weather conditions.
On the railway network, limitations or rescheduling of rail services may be adopted, particularly along the most exposed routes.
National and regional operational structures—including the Fire Brigade, the Forestry and Environmental Surveillance Corps, Forestas, and volunteer organizations—have confirmed the strengthening of their operations, rescue operations, and on-call capabilities, ensuring maximum attention to the most exposed areas and essential services.
(Unioneonline)