Flooding and record rainfall as the cyclone brings the island to its knees: another day of red alert.

Thunderstorms, winds gusting over 120 km/h, and storm surges battering the coasts. Cyclone Harry shows no respite, and the warning is not over yet.

The severe weather that has been affecting Sardinia since Monday will continue into the coming hours, so much so that the Civil Protection Department has issued a new warning extending the red alert for the Cagliari area, Campidano, and Ogliastra through today. Sulcis remains in red for another 24 hours due to hydrogeological risk, while the flood warning has been upgraded to orange. The Tirso and Gallura areas, however, have been upgraded from high to moderate (orange), prompting the reopening of schools and public offices.

The closures of schools, parks, gardens, and public offices have been extended in several cities, including Cagliari. However, the situation is expected to ease in the afternoon.

Nearly four months' worth of rain fell in 48 hours. Highway 195 was devastated by the storm surge, and numerous road collapses were reported along the coastal stretch between Cagliari and Capoterra. Dozens of families were evacuated in Capoterra and Sinnai , where an elderly man was rescued from his home in Teulaxia. In Cagliari, the Poetto neighborhood is under water , with waves reaching kiosks and restaurants. Flooding was also reported in the Nuoro area, and in Cala Gonone, the port and several homes affected by the sea were extensively damaged . In Tortolì, a tree fell due to strong winds, landing on a car whose two occupants suffered minor injuries.

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The damage count at Poetto

Inspections and damage assessments at Poetto. The seafront is still flooded, with firefighters and the municipal maintenance company at work. From the first stop at the Marino hospital, staff are clearing debris and seaweed from kiosks. The sea is still rough, with strong undertow and high waves.

Data from the rainfall network

Nearly four months of rain fell in just 48 hours, considering that the average annual rainfall on the island is nearly 600 mm, with peaks of up to 1,500 mm in the mountains. The record was recorded in Villagrande Strisaili; this morning's update reports 387 mm of rain falling in two days. Urzulei received 370 mm, Gairo 280 mm, and Jerzu 241 mm. Ogliastra was the area hardest hit by the rain. Further south, Sinnai recorded 187 mm.