Overview
- The most intense phase is expected Monday to Wednesday, January 19–21, with a high risk of flash flooding and hydrogeological emergencies.
- Forecasts indicate localized rainfall of 200–300 mm in a short period on eastern Sardinia, eastern Sicily and the Ionian side of Calabria.
- Southerly winds are projected to gust to or above 100 km/h, with very rough seas producing waves of 5–7 meters nearshore and up to about 10 meters offshore in some model runs.
- Sicily’s provinces of Catania, Siracusa, Messina and Ragusa are singled out for severe impacts, and Civil Protection has issued alerts and advises monitoring official bulletins.
- Heavy snowfall is expected on Mount Etna above roughly 1,500 meters with substantial accumulations and dangerous conditions at higher elevations.