Italy is going through an episode of severe bad weather, which is particularly worrying for travelers who are preparing to hit the vacation route. Since Thursday, a depression coming from the Atlantic has caused violent storms, heavy rains and powerful gusts of wind. Fourteen Italian regions are affected by weather alerts, according to information reported by local media.
The situation comes at a particularly sensitive time for tourism. In French-speaking Switzerland, the autumn holidays have already started in the cantons of Neuchâtel and Jura. They begin this Saturday in the canton of Vaud, while Friborg students will be off from Monday October 12.
In Sicily, two waterspouts sow panic
The most spectacular images come from Marsala, on the western coast of Sicily. Two waterspouts formed offshore before reaching land, causing significant damage in the Trapani region. A school with several hundred students was hit by a storm. Children were slightly injured. In Petrosino, two people were rescued after their car was thrown into a ravine.
Another popular destination for Swiss holidaymakers, Tuscany was hit by violent storms accompanied by hail, strong gusts and risks of flooding. In Chianti, on the road linking Siena to Florence, a violent swirling gust overturned a camper van. Firefighters had to intervene to free a couple trapped in the vehicle. The roof of a gas station was also damaged. Several cities, including Livorno, Pistoia, Carrara and Grosseto, closed their schools on Friday.
From Rome to Puglia, flooded roads
Bad weather also hit the Italian capital. In Rome and its region, firefighters carried out around 120 interventions in one night, mainly for fallen trees, wind damage and water infiltration into homes.
Further south, Campania was not spared. Roads were flooded in the Naples area, while trees were uprooted on the tourist island of Ischia. Lightning also damaged the dome of the historic San Gaetano church.
On the Adriatic coast, in Brindisi, Puglia, heavy rains caused flooding, mobilizing emergency services to evacuate water from the affected areas.
Travelers should therefore consult Italian Civil Protection bulletins before their departure and check the traffic conditions on their route.
Two waterspouts crossed Marsala and caused significant damage. People are injured.
X