Cyclone Harry hits southern Italy: waves up to 8 meters, families evacuated and animals saved thanks to the firefighters

Today, Tuesday 20 January, will mark the peak of the storm that is hitting Southern Italy and the major islands. The protagonist is the Mediterranean cyclone Harry, a particularly intense depression system which prompted the Civil Protection to issue a red weather alert for Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria. Impetuous winds, torrential rains and storm surges reign supreme, with a worsening picture by experts.

Record waves and stopped maritime traffic

One of the most obvious signs of the cyclone’s strength comes from the sea. In Mazara del Vallo, waves exceeding 8 meters were recorded, while along the eastern coast of Sicily, in particular in Catania, the height of the wave motion exceeded 5 metres. Conditions that led to the interruption of sea connections with Sardinia and the smaller Sicilian islands, leaving ferries and hydrofoils at a standstill. Strong storm surges continue to hit exposed coasts, making any activity near the shoreline dangerous.

Heavy rain and stormy winds

Cyclone Harry doesn’t just bring heavy seas. Very intense rainfall is expected throughout the day, with accumulations that in some areas could exceed 200-300 millimeters in less than 48 hours. Added to this are gale-force and stormy winds, with gusts that can reach 120-130 km/h, initially over Sicily and extending towards Sardinia and Calabria. A mix that increases the risk of flooding, landslides and hydrogeological instability, especially in already fragile territories. In Santa Teresa di Riva, in the Messina area, a stretch of seafront collapsed after the strong sea storm.

Schools closed and preventive evacuations

In response to the situation, hundreds of municipalities have ordered the closure of schools, along with public parks, sports facilities and green areas. In several coastal locations, preventive evacuations were initiated for homes considered most exposed to the risk of storm surges and floods. Overall, between Sardinia and Sicily, the evacuations involved around 190 people, all as a precaution.

In Torpè, in the province of Nuoro, dozens of families were removed from their homes along the banks of the Rio Posada, swollen by the rains and under constant monitoring due to the risk of flooding. Road closures and temporary isolation also affected sections of the Sulcitana state road 195 between Cagliari and Capoterra, the provincial road 71 in Teulada and the state road 198 in Gairo, also in Ogliastra.

In Sicily, the evacuations mainly concerned the coastal areas most exposed to storm surges. In the Syracuse area, the seaside village of Marzamemi, in the municipality of Pachino, was partially evacuated, together with homes in the Granelli district. In Giampilieri Marina, in the Messina area, 32 guests of the RSA Villa Aurora were evacuated, transferred to other facilities or welcomed by family members. In the Catania area, in Acireale, the removal of 95 residents in the hamlets of Capo Mulini and Santa Maria La Scala was ordered, while in Riposto some residents left their homes located in risky coastal areas.

The rescue coordination centers at the prefectures and municipal operations centers are active, working tirelessly to manage emergencies and monitor the evolution of the bad weather. Thousands of operators including firefighters, volunteers and civil protection personnel are engaged on multiple fronts: from the removal of fallen trees to the control of waterways, up to the safety of infrastructures. At the moment, despite a complex situation, there are no significant structural criticalities reported.

The two Sardinian shepherds were found alive

There have been hours of worry in Sardinia for two shepherds missing in Ogliastra. Fortunately, however, we were able to breathe a sigh of relief after they were found alive and in good condition yesterday evening. The two men had taken refuge in an isolated sheepfold in the Televai area, in the Urzulei area, after the flooding of the Margiani river which had made any movement impossible. The searches, complicated by intense bad weather and blocked roads, ended positively thanks to the coordinated intervention of firefighters and civil protection.

Nine dogs were also rescued in Piscinas, where the swelling of the Rio Piscinas endangered the animals kept on land in the Murrecci area. The area risked being invaded by water due to heavy and continuous rainfall, but fortunately the Cagliari firefighters managed to save them and return them to the owner in good condition.

Appeal to caution

The authorities renew their invitation to limit unnecessary travel, avoid coastal areas and scrupulously respect local bans and ordinances. Cyclone Harry should begin to gradually weaken in the next few hours, but attention will remain high at least until tomorrow. At stake is not only the traffic or regularity of services, but the safety of people in one of the most severe meteorological contexts in recent years.

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